| | |  Entertainment | October 2008 
Mexico to Promote Cooperation for Development of Latin American Cinema
 Presidencia de la República
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| "Mexican cinema is embarking on another golden age."
- President Felipe Calderón | | |
Mexico City - President Felipe Calderón stated that to maintain the rate and promote dialogue in the moviemaking industry, Mexico will encourage cooperation between Latin American governments that will translate into a boost for the development of cinema throughout the region.
During the inauguration of the First Congress of Latin American Culture, entitled: Cinema and Audiovisuals in Latin America, the President said that this forum will enable the Mexican cinema industry to share its evolution and growth with all the countries in the region.
He said that Federal Government is convinced of the importance of cinema as an artistic expression, which is why it is supporting the national cinema industry.
He added that between 2007 and 2008 alone, through tax incentives, support has been authorized for 77 movie projects for the sum of $825 million pesos, in other words, 20% more than the amount invested during the previous administration, meaning that 17 movies were filmed last year, the highest figure in 17 years.
As for feature films supported by the state, he said that over the past two years, over 30,000 direct jobs have been created in production alone.
Accompanied by the Prince and Princess of Asturias, President Felipe Calderón said that a new stage in the moviemaking industry is being consolidated in Mexico.
“Now, as some people suggest, we can say that Mexican cinema is beginning another golden age and we will make every effort to consolidate this," he declared.
Addressing figures from the movie world, such as Mexican producer Arturo Ripstein, Spanish director Carlos Saura and Portuguese film-makerManoel de Oliveira, the Mexican president explained that the Mexican Government's cultural policy is aimed at increasing access to culture, fostering education and artistic creation and reinforcing cultural infrastructure.
Mexicans have been given increased access to major artistic expressions such as the large-scale exhibitions Isis and the Plumed Serpent; Spain, Crossroad of Civilizations and those on the life and work of Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, José Luis Cuevas and Gabriel Figueroa, among others.
A second action promoted by federal government was the Universal Forum of Cultures 2007 in Monterrey Nuevo León which became a forum for establishing dialogue between the world's cultures.
He added that substantial funds are being assigned to the recovery and preservation of archaeological sites such as Tula, Teotihuacán, the Great Temple, Tlatelolco and Xochicalco as well as actions to renew and improve the maintenance of the museum network and theater infrastructure.
137 films will be shown during the Congress and various panels organized at the Mexico City National Arts Center (CENART). At these panels, directors, writers, actors, producers, musicians, journalists and researchers will reflect on the present and future of moviemaking in the region. |
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