UK signs new coproduction treaties with Israel, Palestine

Hague, who has been visiting Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Egypt, met with Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. At the end of their meeting they signed a Co-Production Film Treaty.

The Treaty are intended to bring real benefits to the UK and Israeli film industries, and help maximise the opportunities for UK producers to produce films with Israeli partners.

The Foreign Secretary also signed a UK- Palestine Film agreement with the Palestinian Minister of Culture, Siham Barghouti. This agreement is the first ever bilateral treaty between the two nations and will lead to the sharing of ideas, knowledge and skills, helping stimulate
productivity in both film industries.

Commenting on the signings, Minister for Culture and the Creative Industries, Ed Vaizey said: “The two separate film co-production treaties that the UK has signed today with Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories will pave the way for a new era of
co-operation in film making. These bilateral treaties show that culture and the arts have the unique power to
bring people together across international boundaries and political divides.”

“The UK is home to talented film makers who provoke and challenge, presenting audiences with stories about controversial aspects of society, the same can be said for the film community across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.  Today we have opened the gateway to
build on these creative strengths and the passion for cinema that we have in common.

“By removing administrative barriers and providing incentives DCMS is increasing investment opportunities for the UK film industry, encouraging profitable and culturally significant film co-production projects and opening up possibilities to share our skills, experience and infrastructure.”