Chinese audiences to get a taste of Turkey

ISTANBUL

In China only 35 foreign films are accepted per year according to a quota and some of them are expected to be Turkish films.

The Turkish cinema industry is aspiring to open to the Chinese market, with the aim of attracting Chinese audiences. In China only 35 foreign films are accepted per year according to a quota and some of them are expected to be Turkish films. The aim is to enter the market with two films.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Culture and Tourism deputy minister Abdurrahman Arıcı said Turkish films and TV series were expected to enter China and the necessary meetings were being held. “There is a limit of 35 foreign films and we want to enter the market with two films. This means that we can reach millions.”

Noting that China had a population of 1.2 billion, Arıcı added that there was a huge potential for the cinema industry in China. “Even in the small villages there was a possibility to have a cinema hall. If we can enter to China then Japan or Korea is the next goal. We need to support the film producers. If we have high quality films then we have more chance.”

Turkish cinema increased its audience numbers and its box office numbers during the first half of the year. In the first six months of last year, 54 percent of cinemagoers opted for Turkish films, while in the first half of 2013, this number increased to 64 percent. Turkish cinema income has also increased 38 percent to 153.3 million Turkish Liras this year.

According to Culture and Tourism Ministry Cinema General Directorate officials, the number of films hitting screens in Turkey increased by 10 percent this year to reach 26.1 million.

Some 16.8 million viewers have come through the movie turnstiles this year, an increase of 32 percent. During the first half of the year, many Turkish productions attracted more viewers than foreign productions, according to figures.

In 2011, in order to boost the political relations between Turkey and China many cultural events have been held. Turkish Film Week held in Beijing and Shanghai. The Turkish Film Producers’ Professional Association, or FIYAB, aiming to promote the Turkish movie sector in the Chinese market, screened the Turkish film “Veda” (Farewell), telling the story of Atatürk, which will mark the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Turkey and China at the Turkish Film Week. Some films, including New York’ta 5 Minare (Five minarets in New York), Av Mevsimi (Hunting Season), Romantik Komedi (Romantic Comedy), Denizden Gelen (Coming from the sea), Kosmos and also Bal (Honey), were shown in China as part of the events.

In 2013, on the other hand, many cultural events were hosted as part of the Year of Turkey in China.
In Beijing and China, many cultural events were held during which Turkish films were shown. Zerre (The Particle), Lal Gece (Silent Night), Bir Avuç Deniz (Handful of Sea) and Bu Son Olsun (Let this be the last time) were shown in China.

The Chinese TV also opened its archives to Turkey and with CCTV Turkey and China produced a documentary. The documentary took place in Eskişehir during the Animation Film Days.

Apart from the cinema, State Opera and Ballet was performed in China. Mozart’s Abduction from Seraglio was performed. Throughout the Year of Turkey in China, a number of performance groups from various parts of Turkey put on special shows across the country at events, programs and exhibitions that were organized across the country.

Shanghai Film Fest

This year’s Shanghai Film Fest is hosting Turkey as a guest of honor as part of the Turkish year in China events. The festival opened on June 15 and is hosting many Turkish films. Among the films is “The Taste of Poetry” (Şiirin Tadı) directed by Savaş Baykal, which competed for a Golden Goblet award.