11/09/2006

German Films’ "Distribution Support" committee has supported twelve theatrical releases of German films abroad with a total of €123,000 at the fourth session this year.

No less than five of the funding decisions were for films being handled internationally by Bavaria Film International. Thorsten Schauman, head of Bavaria Film International, Sales & Acquisitions, says: "An important instrument was created for the international marketing of German productions with the Distribution Support made available by German Films to foreign distributors. With the help of the allocated monies, they can raise the market presence of German cinema in the respective countries for the film's release. This support of success is essential when seen against the backdrop of the ever harsher competition in almost all territories."

The selected films include Crossing the Bridge - The Sound of Istanbul [+see also:
trailer
film profile] by for distribution in Italy; The Elementary Particles [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Franka Potente & Moritz Ble…
interview: Oskar Roehler
film profile] by Oscar Roehler in Belgium; The Robber Hotzenplotz [+see also:
trailer
film profile] by Gernot Roll in Russia; and Sophie Scholl - The Final Days [+see also:
trailer
film profile] by Marc Rothemund in Chile and Columbia.

The Distribution Support program of German Films has been in existence since 2005. The funding is intended to finance additional measures to supplement the release campaign already planned by the foreign distributors. The support of a maximum €50,000 is granted in the form of a conditionally repayable loan. Funding of up €10,000 can also be allocated as a grant.