Editor

New three-year support allows EFP to continue promotional programmes inside and outside of Europe for the years 2009 - 2011

European Film Promotion (EFP) is pleased to announce a Framework Partnership Agreement with the MEDIA Programme of the European Union for the years 2009 - 2011 for the support of promotional activities inside and outside of Europe. At prestigious festivals and important markets throughout the world, EFP - with its 29 member organisations - will continue its successful presentation of innovative initiatives aimed at improving market access for European film professionals.

MEDIA's support is two-fold. EFP will receive 480,000 € for promotional Events and Activities inside of Europe and 766,000 € for events and activities outside of Europe, including Film Sales Support (FSS).

EFP will organise 11 promotional events a year between 2009 and 2011. Additionally, EFP will continue to offer Film Sales Support (FSS) to qualifying sales companies. This programme complements EFP's existing activities by helping European sales agents market their films at selected international film festivals and, for the first time ever, at major international markets, such as the FILMART in Hong Kong, the AFM in Los Angeles and the Asian Film Market in Pusan. FSS puts special emphasis on North and South America as well as East Asia to help with the visibility of European film in these countries. FSS offers maximum grants of up to 5,000 € for one film and 2,500 € for a second film per festival to cover up to 50% of the costs for promotional activities undertaken by the sales representatives. Costs incurred at international markets, such as stand rentals and market screenings, are now also reimbursable.

According to Renate Rose, EFP Managing Director, "We believe that all of these efforts will go far in improving the conditions for European film and European filmmakers worldwide. We are particularly grateful to the MEDIA Programme for this three year agreement which allows the organization to devote more time to actual activities, establish long-term goals and solidify on-going partnerships while at the same time, developing new ones. As promotional activities require long lead times, this will also allow for better coverage of events and initiatives by the international media."

EFP's Events and Activities inside Europe between 2009 - 2001,
backed by the MEDIA Programme with 480,000 €

1. SHOOTING STARS at the Berlin International Film Festival
2. Touring SHOOTING STARS Film Programme, taking place at three important international festivals per year - following the initial presentation in Berlin
3. PRODUCERS ON THE MOVE at the Cannes International Film Festival
4. VARIETY CRITICS' CHOICE: EUROPE NOW! at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
5. EUROPEAN DISTRIBUTORS: UP NEXT! at the San Sebastian International Film Festival


EFP's Events and Activities outside Europe, between 2009 - 2011,
backed by Media with 766,000 €

1. Film Sales Support (FSS) at the:
- Sundance Film Festival
- Festival Internacional de Cine en Guadalajara, Mexico
- FILMART Hong Kong
- Shanghai International Film Festival
- Toronto International Film Festival
- Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival
- Asian Film market Pusan
- American Film Market

2. Additional activities to FSS at the Toronto International Film Festival
3. Additional activities to FSS at the Pusan International Film Festival
4. European Umbrella Office at the American Film Market
5. EFP Industry Screenings in the USA