The European Union's MEDIA programme is responsible for twenty European films being present at the festival this year, including six competition pieces.  According to "The Cannes Market News," Androulla Vassiliou, the new European Commissioner in charge of culture and education, praised the programme yesterday at a press conference with representatives of international film funding in Cannes, saying, "Without [it], many films would not have been made."  She explains that MEDIA helps fund films from their start as just an idea in someone's head, the stage where it is most difficult to portray the idea to others and where it needs funding the most.  The MEDIA programme currently provides the European film industry with 755m Euro over six years until 2013, though because of the current state of the economy, more money will most likely be needed and increased funds appointed for the future. Vassiliou spoke with many involved with MEDIA while in Cannes, and she also attended the European Rendez-Vous to discuss funding for filmmakers along with other representatives from the industry, including Festival President Gilles Jacob. 

During the conference, Vassiliou announced the winner of the 2010 European Talent Prize, "Sister of Mercy" by UK-based Polish director and screenwriter, Pawel Pawlikowski.  This award is presented to the best project for a film with a European dimension.  

-Melissa Evanko