08/11/2005 - The 2nd Audiovisual Conference of Naples organised by FERA, discussed three main topics: the UNESCO Convention, Television Without Frontiers (TVWF), and the MEDIA programme 2007. In the conference, FERA stressed the importance of cultural diversity by calling the convention a “safeguard” for cultural heritage. They also appealed for more funds from the Commission to meet current demands and the needs of the audiovisual industry to continue producing high-quality works.

In the home of Mt. Vesuvius, the 2nd Conference of Naples took place. It was organised by the Federation of European Film Directors (FERA), with the support of Cineuropa and the Province of Naples, during the 21st, 22nd and 23rd of October 2005. Three major events of the moment were the object of energetic and “courageous” debates among the personalities of the audiovisual realm, representatives of professional associations and European officials: the Convention on Cultural Diversity voted on at UNESCO, the revision of the Directive of Television without Frontiers and the creation of the 2007 MEDIA programme. The debates were closed by a long final communiqué. Here are the main guide lines: In regards to cultural diversity, the FERA does not hesitate about a true stake of civilisation : One must remember that it is all about the safeguard of a certain creative genius of mankind and the continuity of civilisations which have been slowly attacked!” For the revision of the « Television without Frontiers », it is necessary to have 1) measures for promotion of the contents, 2) the obligation for new broadcasters (even those with online services) to contribute to production of new works, 3) the redefinition of the quotas set in favor of European productions, and 4) a clarification of the norms relating to relocation of audiovisual goods and services. The FERA has established from the very beginning the fact that the efforts by the Commission funded MEDIA programme, which were underlined as high quality work, are limited by the budget (1.055 million euros), which is not enough to cover the needs of the audiovisual industry. The FERA would like to see that amount multiplied by three. In regards to the distribution of works and digital creation, the FERA calls for the respect of copyright.

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