UNESCO Institute for Statistics launches a new global survey on cinema

The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) has launched a survey to track trends in the production and distribution of feature films. The only global survey of its kind, it covers a range of issues such as the language of films and a breakdown of market shares for national and foreign productions.

The survey was launched in more than 200 countries and territories in early July 2007. Initial results are scheduled for release in 2008 on the UIS website. The findings will also be published in international reports and UNESCO publications. Given the importance of cinema as a cultural expression, the statistics will contribute to the monitoring of issues related to cultural diversity.

Given the importance of the world market to the United States, this may be an economically useful service to our country. Given the importance of movies to the way people view the world, it may be a useful source of information for our leaders in public diplomacy.