REMARKS BY PRESIDENT KHALTMAAGIIN BATTULGA AT THE GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE MONGOLIAN NATIONAL FILM STUDIO
Today, a groundbreaking ceremony for the Mongolian National Film Studio took place at the site of the Maidar EcoCity Project, located at a distance of 10 km from Zuunmod Soum of Tuv Aimag. President of Mongolia Khaltmaagiin Battulga participated in the ceremony and gave remarks.
“Distinguished guests,
Good morning!
We are gathered here today to lay the foundation of the Mongolian National Film Studio on this auspicious day of the third day of the first month of summer, according to the lunar calendar.
In the Maidar EcoCity, that will soon be built on this land, a film production complex covering an area of 50 hectares will be established. The complex, equipped with the latest technology, will comprise nine studios, production facility, filming site, warehouse and office.
It is obvious that the Maidar EcoCity will become a major destination for domestic and international tourists, and this complex would offer great features to attract them. This film production site would allow filming under all weather conditions throughout the year, as well as the promotion of the Mongolian history and cultural heritage with the help of movie sets displaying the development of architecture in different periods of history.
I am supportive of the project because the film industry is always adopting the latest advancements in information technology, and the project would, therefore, create opportunities for Mongolian IT experts and computer graphic artists to engage in intellectual production by taking orders from abroad.
I am confident that the project would provide opportunities of actual experience for international artists who wish to make films about the rich history and culture Mongolia, a nation that has a formidable presence in the annals of the human history.
Countries around the world have their own film industries which, ultimately, contribute to the promotion of their national heritage and history and the instilment of the spirit of patriotism in the younger generation. Mongolia, too, made its first black-and-white feature film in 1937, which was named the Mongol Khuu, and screened the film at a cinema in New York.
Before 1990, the Mongolian film industry consisted of an extensive structure and had its own place and role in society. Since then, the industry has been on its own, with private-funded artists carrying the legacy. I believe that it is time for the Government to extend its support.”