The strategic objectives of the State aid in the field of film industry are to create competitive Bulgarian films with high artistic and commercial potential and international recognition capacity; to encourage the viewer's interest in Bulgarian films; and to expand the audience's access to diverse film art forms. In order to meet these objectives, the Film Industry Act (FIA) and the Regulations for Implementing the FIA facilitate impartial and transparent procedure for tender bids when selecting film projects, plus a sustainable mechanism for introducing young authors into the film process.
The measure focuses on developing and preserving the Bulgarian film-works. The key priorities are as follows: providing assistance for producing, promoting and distributing films with highly artistic value and debut film projects, ensuring public access rights to various forms of film artworks, protecting the viewers rights and interests, supporting new talents and young authors, as well as fostering Bulgarian films throughout the country and abroad.
State support consists of direct grants for projects in the field of production (as well as project development, including script writing thereof), distribution and screening of Bulgarian films and films produced in co-production with countries parties to the European Convention on Cinematographic Co-Production adopted in Strasbourg on 2 October 1992, promotion of Bulgarian films at international and national film festivals, weeks and panoramas of Bulgarian film art.
State support for the film industry creates conditions for harnessing the full potential of culture and creative industries for sustainable development of the Bulgarian economy by opening new jobs, expanding the internal market with quality goods and services, soaring exports, increasing tax revenues, as well as by promoting Bulgarian culture and cultural diversity.
The past 4-year period (2016-2019) can be considered a success for meeting the programme objectives. In 2016, 57 films were released, of which 4 feature films, 2 documentaries and 7 animations were debuts. For 2017 - 50 films, of which 2 feature films, 2 documentaries and 5 animations were debuts. For 2018 - 45 films, of which 8 feature films, 1 documentary and 2 animations were debuts. For 2019 - 39 films, of which 2 documentaries and 1 animation were debuts.
All these films were created with State support and showed their premieres in cinemas across the Republic of Bulgaria. Despite the small number of premiere films in Bulgarian cinemas, our films continued to receive international and national recognition. Films released in previous years continue to win awards.
Funding provided by the State budget - USD 31,422,324
| Name of partner | Type of entity |
|---|---|
CSOs, such as film industry associations and organisations, are partners in the measure.
| Civil Society Organization (CSO)
|
Amendments to the Film Industry Act and its Implementing Regulations are currently under way. The amendments are aimed at providing additional resources for film industry development, the introduction of new economic instruments in the form of a reimbursement scheme for Bulgarian and foreign producers, etc.