TFV first met Nomin Erdine last March at AFCI Week in Los Angeles, where she sat down to record a podcast with Eric Mika, President and Publisher of The Film Verdict (now available).
The establishment of the Mongolian National Film Council was made possible through the passage of the law on the promotion of cinematography, which provides the legal framework for the Council’s activities. This Law sets out the Council’s powers and functions, as well as its mandate to promote and support the film industry in Mongolia. Also it is important to note that the The law on promotion of cinematography was passed in July 2021, and has been effective since 01.01. 2022.
One of the first project, If Only I Could Hibernate, is the first Mongolian film to play in Official Selection at Cannes. It is a co-production between Purevdash’s Mongolian production house Amygdala Films and Paris-based Urban Factory, headed by producers Frédéric Corvez and Maeva Savinien.
Set in Ulaanbaatar, the film follows a 15-year-old from a poor neighborhood who is determined to win a science competition to earn a scholarship. When his illiterate mother finds a job in the countryside, she leaves him and his younger siblings to face a harsh winter alone and he needs to find a job to look after them all.
In addition to issuing filming permits, the Council is also responsible for administering an incentive program that provides financial support to filmmakers. Under this program, filmmakers can receive up to 45 percent of the filming cost for projects that are produced in Mongolian territory with minimum spending of 500 000 USD. This is expected to significantly boost the local film industry, and encourage more filmmakers to choose Mongolia as a filming location.
Furthermore, the Film Support Fund, which is also established under the Act, can provide funding for both domestic and international joint film projects. This means that filmmakers in Mongolia can potentially access additional resources and support for their projects, and collaborate with international partners to create high-quality films that showcase Mongolia’s unique culture, landscapes, and stories to a global audience.
Mongolia is a land of diverse natural landscapes, ranging from the Siberian forest to the Gobi desert of Central Asia. Its expansive plains, towering mountain ranges, tranquil lakes, rushing rivers, and enigmatic caves create a rich tapestry of geological and biological diversity that provides unique opportunities for filmmakers and photographers.
The country experiences all four seasons, which means that it offers a range of different landscapes depending on the time of year. The winter months bring snow-covered mountains and frozen rivers, while the spring and summer months offer verdant greenery, blooming wildflowers, and rushing waterfalls. Autumn brings an explosion of color as the leaves of the trees turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Mongolia is also home to many rare and fascinating animals, including the snow leopard, the Gobi bear, the wild ass, and the Mongolian gazelle. Filmmakers and photographers interested in documenting endangered wildlife can find ample opportunities to do so in Mongolia. The country has many protected areas, such as the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, where these animals can be found in their natural habitats.
Documentary films have become very popular in Mongolia, and NHK and BBC are among the major organizations that have made many documentaries in the country within a year. In addition, both TBS and Hive Media Corporation have produced parts of their series in Mongolia. The filming of the BBC TV series “Chinggis Khan” in Mongolia.
As well, The Altai Mountains of Mongolia were the filming location for the feature film “Eagle Hunter 2016”, while the Gobi location served as the shooting location for the feature film “The Story of the Weeping Camel”.
Since its inception, the Mongolian National Film Council has issued permits for approximately 20 films to be shot in Mongolia. Prior to the establishment of the Film Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued permits for filming in Mongolia. One of these films has recently applied for the incentive program, and shooting for this project is scheduled to begin in May.
Documentary films have become very popular in Mongolia, and NHK and BBC are among the major organizations that have made many documentaries in the country within a year. In addition, both TBS and Hive Media Corporation have produced parts of their series in Mongolia. The filming of the BBC TV series “Chinggis Khan” in Mongolia
As well, The Altai Mountains of Mongolia were the filming location for the feature film “Eagle Hunter 2016”, while the Gobi location served as the shooting location for the feature film “The Story of the Weeping Camel”.
Since its inception, the Mongolian National Film Council has issued permits for approximately 20 films to be shot in Mongolia. Prior to the establishment of the Film Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued permits for filming in Mongolia. One of these films has recently applied for the incentive program, and shooting for this project is scheduled to begin in May.
Incentive programs
Location Incentive
30% location expense reimbursement if USD 500,000 is spent within specific requirements on a film project being produced in Mongolia.
Cultural Incentive
An additional 10% in incentives for productions that highlight Mongolian culture and heritage.
Salary Incentive
5% rebate for the salaries of foreign artists and workers who have worked on films made in Mongolia.
Post-production Incentive
30% reimbursement for productions that receive location bonuses if sound and video editing are done in Mongolia and a large number of Mongolian citizens are employed.
e-mail:
Nomin-erdene@filmmongolia.gov.mn
Info@filmmongolia.gov.mn
Website:
Filmmongolia.gov.mn
Telephone:
+976 51262226
+976 88109870
