Four films supported by the Creative Europe – MEDIA programme are competing in the 73rd Venice International Film Festival which starts today. The EU has invested around €160,000 to support the development and distribution of Une Vie by Stéphane Brizé, Frantz by François Ozon, Les Beaux Jours d’Aranjuez by Wim Wenders competing in the Venezia 73, and King of the Belgians by Jessica Woodworth and Peter Brosens competing in Orizzonti.
Several other EU-funded films are being screened out of competition (more information). On Sunday 4 September, Commissioner for the Digital Economy and Society, Günther H. Oettinger, will be at the Festival. He will meet representatives of the film sector to discuss EU action to promote the circulation of European films as well as proposals under the Digital Single Market strategy which are relevant for the audiovisual sector, such as the Commission’s upcoming proposals to modernise EU copyright rules as well as the update of EU audiovisual rules proposed in May. Ahead of the event, he said: “All our initiatives go in the same direction: supporting creativity in the digital age. We want to help those who invest – not only their money but their energy, their passion – in bringing high-quality content to Europeans. We also want that European films and audiovisual programmes circulate better across the EU for the benefits of all”.
At the European Film Forum, a platform for dialogue between policy makers and professionals of the film sector, Commissioner Oettinger will also give a speech addressing how cinemas can fully reap the benefits of digital technologies. Participants at the European Film Forum will also discuss access to finance, with a particular interest in the recently launched guarantee facility for the cultural and creative sector.
