IFTA accuses China of breaching on Film Agreement
19 Feb – The United States Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) has recently filed a complaint against China, asking the US government to investigate whether the CPC has complied with their agreements in placing them on its Priority Watch List.
As reported on Epoch Times, IFTA, which represents American and international independent film companies, alleged that China has been making it more difficult for US independent film companies to enter the Chinese film market, with only 13 US independent films released in China last year, with a total box office of USD 115 million - accounting for only 1.3 percent of China's box office, which is down from 5.6 percent in 2010.
Back when Beijing joined the World Trade Organisation in 2001, it agreed to open its market, but reportedly failed to deliver on its promise.
IFTA stated that Beijing has breached the 2012 Film Agreement signed with Washington in defining how the movie industry would operate outside the WTO rules.
It stated that by reducing the number of "flat fee" movie imports, China has made way for the increase in "revenue-sharing" quota titles.
In addition, IFTA also claimed that China has not fulfilled its commitment to promote the private sector distribution industry, which has resulted in private distribution companies not receiving appropriate import permits, distribution dates, and digital keys.
(Photo Source: Hong Kong Free Press)
