CineRegio, the European network of regional film funds, is celebrating the impact of the work of its members in the selection of the 76^th Cannes Film Festival. CineRegio members backed 53 films from the Cannes selection, including a 28% in the Competition, a 40% in Un Certain Regard and 57% in the Critics' Week feature film competition. Find the complete list of supported titles here.

Despite being present in just 12 out of 27 European Union member states, regional film funds make a unique local and global contribution, keeping film close to diverse communities, developing talent and supporting cultural diversity and cultural exchange in Europe and across the world. Collaboration between members is a driving force in European co-production. Close to 30% of the feature films backed by CineRegio members and selected for Cannes have been supported by more than one region. The commitment to community, cultural diversity and democracy is clear in its support, including language diversity, and passionate support for new talent is reflected in the fact that CineRegio members are backing 9 short films selected for Cannes, as well as films from first and second-time directors.

In fact, CineRegio will expand to 53 members at Cannes in 2023 and is calling for the creation of regional film funds across Europe as a tool to strengthen and protect cultural diversity, engage communities, and foster new talents and storytelling.

CineRegio Secretary General Charlotte Appelgren said: “The Cannes Selection shows the contribution of members to international co-production and global inclusion, which deserves greater attention. I am also proud that Europe’s film regions and the political leadership in these territories have consistently stepped up to encourage the discovery of young talents, quality storytelling and creative voices. To ensure the development of a strong, dynamic and truly diverse sector and for film culture to flourish, there is a crucial need for decentralised public film funding. It is our experience that decentralised film policy and decision-making strengthen culture, engages communities, recognises social and cultural diversity, most effectively fosters new talents, and encourages new voices and relevant and exciting storytelling. The value of the work of our members demonstrated here in Cannes ought to inspire the creation of similar regional funds across Europe. Therefore, what we need is more EU Member States to set their creative industries free, to empower regional communities and let culture, and indeed democracy, grow. We challenge these Member States not to be afraid to co-finance decentralised decision-making and to encourage more selective funding opportunities for independent producers and filmmakers. Especially, at a times when cultural diversity and open society is under pressure in many Member States. “