ACP launches film production support programme

The African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) presents the ACP-EU Support Programme for the ACP Cinema and Audiovisual Sector. The Secretariat of the ACP Group of States and the European Union have designed a new support programme for the ACP audiovisual sector, ACP Films (ie. cinema and television). ACP Films is managed by the ACP Secretariat and financed by the 9th European Development Fund (EDF).

The overall objective of the Programme is to contribute to the development and structuring of audiovisual, cinema and television industries in ACP States, in order to optimise their capacity to create and distribute their own images and products, and to enhance the promotion of ACP cultural diversity, cultural identity, and inter-cultural dialogue.

Assistance will be granted to stimulate the emergence or building of production capacity in cinema and audiovisual industries in ACP States, on one hand, and on the other, to enhance the circulation of audiovisual works, primarily within ACP States, but also in EU Member States and at the international level.

The Programme has a support amounting to 6.5 million Euros. It comprises three types of aid which will be allocated as follows, in the form of grants:

1. Assistance for film production by ACP producers (i.e., cinema: short, medium, feature-length fiction, animated films and documentaries; television: TV films, fiction, animated and documentary series, one-off documentaries)
Fund for production: 3.8 million Euros

2. Assistance for distribution, development and promotion of ACP films and creation of networks for ACP audiovisual professionals
Fund for distribution, development and promotion: 1.7 million Euros

3. Assistance for training to enhance professionalism in the ACP audiovisual sector
Fund for professionalisation: 1 million Euros

How to obtain aid?

A call for proposals will be issued during May-June 2008. The eligibility conditions will be specified in the guidelines accompanying the call for Proposals.

To guarantee an equitable treatment of potentials applicants, the PMU will not be able to give prior opinions on the eligibility of the applicants, of a partner or an action.

Programme Management Unit

A Project Management Unit (PMU) assists the ACP Secretariat with the management of the ACP Films Programme. It comprises two Experts who will be mainly responsible for coordinating the assessment of dossiers and ensuring communication relating to the Programme.

The ACP Film website containing information on the impending calls for proposals, other financing possibilities in the sector, and exchanges among professionals in the field will soon be launched at http://www.acpfilms.eu/.

Support for ACP cinema is an important element in the cultural cooperation between the ACP Group and the European Union (EU), particularly in the framework of implementing ACP culture and development strategies.