New European Film Center planned for Romanian capital

Romania's Cultural Institute plans to set up a new European Center for Cinematography in Bucharest, together with other institutions and companies in the local film industry. “The center will provide information, facilitate the exchange of ideas, make documentary film festivals and support the creation and promotion of culture in Romania and the country's image in Europe and worldwide,” according to Romania's Cultural Institute (ICR), which is supporting the project. The project will aim for funding via public/private partnership with the support of EU funds.

The ICR did not release any details of where the new center will be, nor how much it will cost or when it will be completed.

Romania is one of the few European countries that does not have an effective system of incentives to attract investment to the film industry, according to the ICR. As well as providing a national and international space for the development of film, the ICR is also aiming to help create a better national framework for the promotion and advancement of the local film industry. The ICR says Romania should follow the examples of France, Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic in providing strong and lasting support for the local film industry. The ICR cites the European Commission's position on state aid for the film industry, which deems state backing an acceptable necessity, given the nature of the film business. The Romanian film industry is currently suffering, despite regularly sending out films, directors and actors to international film festivals, where they usually snatch awards. A recent interview with director Tudor Giurgiu on this topic here. editor@romania-insider.com photo source: sxc.hu