Rt Hon Helen Clark
Prime Minister of New Zealand
20 October 2006 Media Statement
New Zealand and South Africa to negotiate film co-production agreement
Prime Minister and Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Helen Clark today announced that New Zealand and South Africa
have agreed to negotiate a film co-production agreement, and take other steps to strengthen cultural ties.
Helen Clark today held formal talks in Auckland with the South African Deputy President Mrs Phumzile Mlabo-Ngcuka.
"We discussed strengthening links across arts, culture, heritage, sport, archives, broadcasting, and tourism. Exchanges
and other contacts across government and the cultural sector will also be encouraged," Helen Clark said.
New Zealand currently has cultural agreements with France, Italy, and China.
"The aim of the proposed film co-production agreement is to expand and facilitate film co-production to benefit the
screen industries in both countries, and to develop cultural and economic exchanges.
"Under the proposed treaty, filmmakers from both countries would be able to pool resources to create films which will
benefit both countries financially and culturally.
"Films made jointly by New Zealand and South African producers would qualify as works with national status in both
countries, making them eligible for government support and facilitation.
"The definition of film under the agreement also includes television and other categories such as animation and digital
productions.
“The South African and New Zealand film industries have a number of similarities, including good weather, a diversity of
locations, English-speaking and experienced film crews and technicians, and good infrastructure to market their
filmmaking capacity, Helen Clark said.
“We hope that such an agreement will encourage film-makers to share their energies and resources for the benefit of both
countries.”
ENDS