21/02/2006

At a February 15 meeting, the FFA (German Federal Film Board) met to discuss two major issues: the social status of German film professionals and the financial cuts envisaged for the MEDIA Programme, encouraging the federal government and the European authorities to remedy the uncertain situation jeopardising the entire film industry, both in Germany and throughout Europe.

In a press release published yesterday, the FFA says that, on a national level, it is vital that the modes and allocation of unemployment benefits be defined for those who work in the film industry.

On the European level, although the FFA acknowledges that certain financial cuts are necessary, it wants the local government and the European Parliament to realise how drastic the 2007-2013 cuts to the MEDIA Programme truly are. Unless they intervene, next year's budget will be down by 40%, which would ruin the great work the EU programme has been doing and contradict its very principles.

Indeed, since 1990, MEDIA has supported cinematic renewal and helped create a European identity. The FFA also stresses that, besides the cultural implications, the seventh art has many economic ramifications and therefore deserves more reliable financial support.

(Translated from French)