The Producers Guild of Korea (PGK) and the Sakha Filmmakers Association (SFA) have signed a memorandum of understanding at the Asian Contents & Film Market in Busan, creating a direct route to international co-productions between Korean and Sakha screen producers.
Sakha Republic (Yakutia), in Russia’s Far East, has developed one of the country’s most productive film industries. Its films are made mostly in the Sakha language and have built a strong local theatrical audience, while drawing growing attention at festivals and markets across Asia.
What the MOU covers
Under the pact, the two organisations will establish a co-production framework that covers joint project development and exchanges on public financing available in both territories. It also sets up project showcases, producer-to-producer meetings and B2B sessions designed to identify projects with international potential and move them toward co-production.
- Joint development of projects between Korean and Sakha producers
- Sharing of public financing information in both territories
- Project showcases, B2B sessions and producer meetings
- A presence at ACFM, Hong Kong Filmart and the Cannes Marché du Film
PGK President Lee Dong-ha described Sakha cinema as “one of the most distinctive voices to emerge in Asia in recent years,” and said the deal should open a direct channel between the two production communities. SFA Executive Director Stepan Burnashev pointed to Korea as “an important example of how a strong local identity can connect with audiences around the world,” adding that the goal is projects developed and produced together, not just exchange.
Why this deal matters
For producers, the MOU lowers the cost of discovery. Instead of cold introductions at markets, Korean and Sakha companies have a stated framework for sharing finance information, packaging projects and moving toward actual co-production. For buyers, streamers and distributors, it is a supply-side signal that a small-language film culture is building institutional links into larger Asian production networks.
The partnership extends PGK’s post-pandemic run of international agreements, which already includes MOUs with the Canadian Media Producers Association, the Hong Kong Film Production Executives Association, the Indonesian Film Producers Association and the Brazilian Audiovisual Industry Union. Sakha adds a distinct local-language identity to that list.
What to watch next
The next proof points are Hong Kong Filmart, the Cannes Marché du Film and future ACFM editions. The question is whether the pact produces announced co-productions with financing attached, or just repeat meetings. Sakha needs co-production and distribution partners; Korean producers gain access to festival-ready stories with local theatrical strength. That alignment gives the MOU a better chance than many Busan signings.
Source: Deadline
