Moldova/ 5.3 Sector specific legislation  

5.3.6 Film, video and photography

Except for the general stipulations in the Law on Culture, there are no laws on photography in the Republic of Moldova.

The Law on Cinematography (Law nr. 386 - XV on Cinematography of 25.11.1994) aims at ensuring the preservation and development of cinematography as a component of national culture; regulation of activity in the field; creation of proper conditions for access of the population to cinematographic works. Article 3 of the Law defines state policy in the field of cinematography and the principles of its implementation. This Article also includes: freedom of creation and artistic expression; protection, development and the rational use of cinematographic patrimony; state funding of the activity in the area.

According the Article 5 of the Law on Cinematography, the means allocated for implementation of the state command in this field are planned in the state budget for the respective year. The National Fund for Cinematography, associated to the Ministry of Culture, was created in 2004 for the administration of these funds. The Fund is formed by incomes from the commercialisation and broadcasting of films and from incomes generated by the use of property, subordinated to the Ministry of Culture.

Article 13 refers to the distribution of incomes, collected from the commercialisation and broadcasting of films, produced within the state command. These incomes are distributed as follows: 25% to the cinematographic studio that produced the film and 75% to the National Fund of Cinematography.

The Law on Cinematography is currently under review. A group of experts, which includes representatives of the Ministry of Culture, is currently working replace the old law outlined above. The new project aims to improve access for citizens to cinematographic culture and, at the same time, to create a proper environment for the public at large to become familiarised with international cinematographic art, while protecting the rights and interests of all citizens of the Republic of Moldova.

It is also imperative to ensure the constitutional rights of Moldovan citizens regarding the functioning of the state language. The project of the law also refers to public screening of foreign films, which should be presented in the state language. On the other hand, dubbing of publicly screened films would contribute to the development of the spoken language of our citizens.

By introducing these changes, the law will facilitate the creation of work opportunities for actors, directors, sound operators, technicians, and many other specialists in Moldova. By applying modern technologies, production costs will decrease, ensuring, at the same time, the supply of high quality imported films. Foreign film screening will constitute a real source of profit that could be used for national productions.

The project of the new Law on Cinematography also emphasises the creation of a favourable investment climate, and the exemption of VAT. Moldova is an excellent location for international productions due to its favourable climate and natural environment.

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