Brussels, 29/04/2015 (Agence Europe) - The promotion and distribution of European films must come out of public funds, according to the European Parliament in a resolution adopted during a plenary session on Tuesday 28 April. The resolution was put forward by the rapporteur, Bogdan Brunon Wenta (EPP, Poland) and was adopted by 607 votes in favour 50 against, with 32 abstentions. It focused on the question of “The European Cinema in the Digital Era”.
In order to respond to the challenges of non-European competition and digitalisation, there should be greater diversification and an increase in the legal supply of material required, particularly through the improved availability of subtitled versions provided by on demand platforms, explains the resolution. MEPs also want the distribution of public funds to be better balanced and that more money goes to the distribution and promotion of films. Member states are called on to give more support to festivals and mobile cinemas and at the European level, the MEDIA and Creative Europe programmes are used more effectively, to finance subtitling and film dubbing, as well as for supporting SMEs working in the sector. European and national support for small independent cinemas is also encouraged so that they have the equipment necessary to distribute digital productions. Diversification and an increase in the legal supply of online European films is crucial for supporting the European cinema industry, whilst respecting copyright, explains the resolution. The MEPs also say that the cross-border portability of audiovisual services should be supported and that reduced harmonised VAT could help support the development of new digital services and platforms. (Isabelle Lamberty)