Moldova Opens its Doors to Acclaimed Hollywood Heavyweight Jonathan Nolan

During his visit, Jonathan and his team took a journey through the unique Eastern European experience of Moldova, visiting historical landmarks, wineries, and contemporary creative centers where emerging Moldovan talent is finding its voice. In Șoldănești, Nolan went seven stories underground to the distinctive subterranean Soviet-era bunker, a marvel of architectural brilliance and the only bunker still accessible in Eastern Europe. Jonathan contemplated out loud how potential reconstructions of the space could transform such unique landmarks into future film sets. While getting to know the film community of Moldova, Jonathan visited local cinematic treasures like Moldova Film and the FTA-supported Artcor Creative Centre and Mediacor, where more than 300 individuals from the creative world gathered to listen to his reflections on his life, works, challenges, and the evolving paradigms and trends of cinema.

During a meeting with President Maia Sandu—a groundbreaking discussion between a Hollywood artist and the head of the Moldovan Government—Jonathan and President Sandu talked about the ways to use the arts and cinema to project positive narratives about Moldova. Together, President Sandu and Jonathan explored opportunities to develop the creative industries and to foster collaboration to draw Moldova into international projects.

Throughout his visit, Jonathan underscored Moldova's capability to host substantial productions, focusing particularly on the potential of visual effects and the wealth of local stories as untapped sources for future narratives. With the end of the strike, all of the frozen film projects will restart and will need post production and visual effects (VFX and CGI), presenting a real opportunity for the Moldovan post-production studios to bring their talent to the international market.

With a global industry supporting 2.4 million jobs and valued at approximately $92.5 billion, this is the right time for Moldova to invest in a financial incentive (cash rebate) that could help attract international productions with high returns. Jonathan highlighted the importance of such government incentives, pointing out the economic advantages of investing in film production, a sector that could potentially quadruple returns to the national economy. In their meeting, President Sandu and Deputy Prime Minister Dumitru Alaiba emphasized Moldova’s eagerness to establish itself as a lucrative location for international film productions, including the GoM’s initiative to offer up to 30% cash rebate on local expenses while a production firm is filming onsite. This cash rebate program, including government advocacy, was initiated and supported by USAID and has now gained momentum and is ready to be piloted.

Jonathan was invited to Moldova by Minister of Culture Sergiu Prodan, a film director in his own right, key USAID and FTA facilitators, as well as U.S. Ambassador Kent D. Logsdon. Ambassador Logsdon introduced and warmly welcomed Jonathan at the Fix it in Post Conference, along with his creative team of long-time collaborators Film Producer Aaron Ryder, Film and Television Producer Athena Wickham, and Producer Noreen O’Toole.

Ambassador Logsdon had helped USAID, through FTA support, open the doors of the the American Film Pavilion at Mediacor in 2022, and spoke for everyone when he expressed his amazement and pride that only 10 months after its launch, Mediacor had grown and evolved into a creative space that could host a Hollywood luminary like Jonathan Nolan.

Our first visit to Moldova has been an inspiring and unforgettable experience. We had the pleasure of visiting the culturally rich city of Chisinau, the beautiful countryside, and interacting with Moldovan producers, directors and students of film and the arts to discuss the possibilities of collaboration. The Moldovan people's generosity, resilience, and creativity has left a deep impression on us. We’re so grateful and honored for the warm reception, and so excited to return. Noroc!

Jonathan Nolan

No trip to Moldova would be complete without tours of the country’s famous wineries. At Cricova, Jonathan and his team were able to participate firsthand in the autumn harvest and wine-making process. The winery expressed its warm welcome to Jonathan by dedicating 100 bottles of wine reserved for him under the name Caza Jonathan Nolan 878. It’s clear that everyone agrees Moldova has the unique backdrops, and the up-and-coming talent at all levels of film production, to serve as a prime-time film location. The spotlight is now on Moldova to capitalize on its potential.