Home / Arts and Entertainment / EU Film Funding Fight: Stars Rally for MEDIA Program
EU Film Funding Fight: Stars Rally for MEDIA Program
8 May
Summary
- Over 4,700 film professionals signed an open letter to the EU.
- The MEDIA program faces potential merger within the AgoraEU plan.
- European cinema professionals seek guaranteed funding for film.
Over 4,700 film professionals have signed an open letter to the European Union, advocating for the protection of film funding under the MEDIA program. This initiative, titled "Europe needs cinema, Cinema needs Europe," calls for future-proofing support for cinema within the EU's MEDIA program, which has supported thousands of films over 35 years.
The call comes as EU member states discuss the AgoraEU plan, potentially merging the MEDIA program with funding for video games, news media, and journalism. The European Commission proposed €8.6 billion for AgoraEU, with the European Parliament suggesting €10.7 billion, sparking industry debate over budget allocation.
Professionals seek guarantees that cinema funding will not be diverted. They emphasize MEDIA's role in supporting European stories from development to distribution, training, and upskilling, arguing that artistic creation is crucial for shared values, democracy, and European soft power.
Discussions surrounding MEDIA and AgoraEU are set to dominate the Cannes Film Festival, coinciding with the EU's decision on its initial position for AgoraEU. Many prominent directors and filmmakers have signed the letter, highlighting the program's significance for independent producers and diverse European voices.
