European Filmmakers Oppose EU Film Funding Overhaul, Citing Threats to Industry
A group of over 4,700 filmmakers, including notable directors like Pawel Pawlikowski, Lukas Dhont, and Rodrigo Sorogoyen, have signed an open letter urging the European Union to reconsider its proposed changes to the Creative Europe funding program. The proposed overhaul, known as the AgoraEU initiative, aims to merge the culture and media strands of the program. The filmmakers argue that this change threatens the future of the MEDIA Program, which has been instrumental in supporting the EU film and TV industry for 35 years. The program has funded several Oscar-winning films and is crucial for the development, distribution, and promotion of European cinema. The proposed changes could reduce the dedicated budget for the film and audiovisual sector, raising concerns about the future of independent production and cultural diversity in Europe. 
