16/04/2008

The Croatian Audiovisual Center (HAVC), whose National Audiovisual Board was established on Mar 27, has announced a funding competition for audiovisual projects, including features, debut features, shorts, documentaries, animated and experimental films. The competition is also open to international co-productions, as well as partially or fully finished films.

The winners will be chosen by members of the Artistic Board, with different artistic counsellors for each category. The competition will close April 30.

According to the Croatian Film Law, the HAVC is entirely independent of governmental bodies. The Ministry of Culture accepts the HVAC’s National Programme, a strategic, four-year document, and financing is provided from the national budget and the gross annual revenue of audiovisual production, including 2% from national broadcaster HRT and 1% of the returns of telecomunication networks and Internet providers.

The HAVC Board includes representatives of HRT; all broadcasters with national coverage; associations of film workers, directors, producers and cinematographers; associations of broadcasters, exhibitors and distributors; all cable operators and Internet providers; all universities in the field of audiovisual activities; and the Croatian Cinematheque and Croatian Film Association.

HAVC activities include making and enforcing the wide-ranging National Programme, which stimulates the financing of preparation, development and distribution of audiovisual works; supports films by young directors; stimulates and organises foreign investments; and organises festivals.

"What is most important is that all forms of exploitation of audiovisual works will contribute to developing the industry, with financing coming from the state budget", says Albert Kapovic, the director of HAVC. "This should achieve an increase in overall production, and hopefully quality as well."