France Opens Doors to Baltic Films

France is extending a significant opportunity to Baltic filmmakers, aiming to increase their presence in Europe's prestigious Aide aux cinémas du monde (ACM) co-production fund. The National Film Board (CNC) will host an international co-production workshop in Paris in February 2026, specifically welcoming nine projects from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This workshop is designed to pair regional producers with French counterparts and advisors, assisting them in navigating the ACM's rigorous application criteria.

The ACM fund, established in 2012, is a major financial backer for international co-productions involving a French partner, with a substantial budget and a track record of launching films into A-list festivals. For Baltic producers, participation in this workshop represents a crucial step toward accessing significant funding and global exposure, with average grants reaching up to €150,000 for fiction.

This renewed focus on Baltic cinema comes amid heightened geopolitical attention on the region since the war in Ukraine began. Industry professionals note that European institutions are now paying closer attention, recognizing the strategic importance of cultural exchange and support for filmmakers on Europe's border.