As confirmed by Creative Europe - MEDIA Programme of the European Union, European Film Promotion (EFP) and its 36 member organisations is set to continue its global activities to promote European cinema and talent in an expanded form. In three framework partnership agreements for 2015/2016 Creative Europe has earmarked EFP funds amounting to € 188,037 for activities within Europe and € 417,875 for activities outside of Europe as well as € 678,450 for its Film Sales Support (FSS) initiative. The funding will be supplemented by additional backing from the EFP member organisations, several partners and institutions (please find detailed information below)

“Since the founding of EFP in 1997, MEDIA has always supported the global activities of our ever-growing network” says Renate Rose, Managing Director EFP. “Our PR and marketing platforms are unique in that they have resulted in a heightened awareness of the cultural richness and diversity of European cinema as well as of a 'united' Europe among members of the international industry.”

FILMS AND TALENT

EFP's portfolio of activities will be expanded this year as the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is to receive a new focus after 17 years with the “FUTURE FRAMES: Ten New Filmmakers To Follow” programme being launched in July 2015.

For the first time, EFP will join forces with the festival to spotlight a selection of ten outstanding student filmmakers and their films, ushering in a new generation of directors from film schools throughout Europe. EFP will introduce the young directors and their films to the public, film industry and press during two days of events and screenings.

At the forthcoming Berlinale, EFP’s EUROPEAN SHOOTING STARS annual talent platform will focus on serving as an actors' industry network with further opportunities for the ten selected young stars to establish business relationships with casting directors, agents, producers and sales agents.

As far as globally spotlighting European films and talent is concerned, the Busan International Film Festival with the associated Asian Film Market has again proven to be an ideal platform for both cultural exchange and business. EFP will continue to develop the positive view of European film in South Korea through its OPENING DOORS programme.

The cultural aspect will be stressed over economic aims for EFP's activities in Russia in 2015. Since it seems very important to keep the European presence and the cultural exchange alive, EFP will follow the first two editions of WESTWIND with another presentation of European films in 2015. However, there are proposals to expand the programme and combine the existing showcase with a VoD festival following on from a kick-off event in a metropolis like Moscow or St. Petersburg.

NETWORKING

EFP’s networking events - PRODUCERS ON THE MOVE in Cannes and PRODUCERS LAB TORONTO - will be continued with a tightening up of the criteria. The EFP members have decided to establish a point system for the selection of the PRODUCERS ON THE MOVE based on individual qualifications. The call for PRODUCERS LAB TORONTO will be opened by EFP to any European producer interested in co-producing with Canada. The event will again invite candidates from a guest country to participate alongside the European and Canadian producers.

ACCESS TO MARKETS

EFP’s successful Film Sales Support scheme will continue to boost sales of European films outside of Europe. Festivals and markets where sales agents can apply for FSS will continue to include the Sundance Film Festival, Mercado de Cine Iberoamericano en Guadalajara, Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART), Toronto International Film Festival, Asian Film Market and the American Film Market. Sales agents will also be able to apply for FSS for the NY Screenings. EFP is constantly analysing various international markets which might be an alternative or an addition to the present FSS portfolio.

EFP will be enhancing its line-up of umbrella offices at various markets as a perfect complement to the FSS scheme: the European booth at the Asian Film Market was  expanded considerably and the same is planned for the European Pavilion at the forthcoming FILMART in Hongkong. The well-attended office at the American Film Market and the booth at the Guadalajara Film Market will remain a part of the portfolio.
With a record number of 22 European Academy Award entries, EFP's LA Screenings in 2014 proved to be a very welcome additional opportunity for Academy members, international buyers, LA-based industry and selected press to see a curated selection of European films from EFP member countries. This programme will also be continued in 2015/16.

EFP is financially supported by Creative Europe - MEDIA Programme of the European Union, its member organisations and various project partners. Moreover, the Hamburg-based office is backed by the German State Minister for Culture and the Media, the Ministry of Culture of the City of Hamburg, and the Film Fund Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein.