In contrast to the tasks and goals of the national film institutes, which are normally based on comparable legal frameworks, regional subsidization of film, now indispensable for financing European films, varies greatly. At first glance coordinating them would seem virtually impossible, and in contrast to national subsidies they are often in competition due to their economic goals. While this could be advantageous for the film industry, in the eyes of the EU Commission it does more to distort competition than encourage it.
The previous achievements are as a result even more impressive:
- The regional effect of 100% of the subsidy, which was promoted by the Vienna Film Fund from the very beginning and represented the exception four years ago, is now standard among Cine Regio members.
- To the advantage of the film industry, friendly communication among Cine Regio members is no longer hindered by regional competition.
- Cine Regio, in addition to EFAD, has become indispensable to the EU Commission as a dialogue partner. Its members are representative of the variety to be found in regional film subsidization in Europe, and with a total of € 123 million, it also represents the majority of regional funds available, which is now indispensable for the European film industry.
- Cine Regio members are the most important dialogue partners of regional subsidy initiatives in the new member countries and membership candidates. As a result a basis has been created for future cooperation in a rapidly growing production and distribution market. Peter Zawrel is responsible for these activities in Cine Regio's Managing Committee.
