08/10/2009

A year ago, the Namur International Francophone Film Festival organised, in collaboration with the UPFF (Union of Francophone Film Producers ), a meeting on the distribution of Belgian Francophone films in Belgium.

Around 50 professionals offered their assessment and put forward some proposals. Above all, this meeting opened up an inter-professional dialogue. Producers, filmmakers, exhibitors, distributors and institutions gained awareness of the constraints and specificities of each profession.

Over the course of the year, four themed workshops made it possible to continue discussions, and list avenues of work. These documents were passed on to professional associations and partners.

On Tuesday, October 6, the RTBF and the Film and Audiovisual Centre of the Belgian French Community (CCA) took their turn to outline their actions and intentions. François Tron, head of TV at RTBF, highlighted RTBF’s initiatives in the production field, and its efforts to put the spotlight on Belgian film talents on its channels.

CCA director Frédéric Delcor announced a series of measures. The CCA’s decisions arise from a twofold observation that despite the indisputable quality of Belgian Francophone films, they nonetheless suffer from a poor image among Belgian audiences.

In fact, the production support policies seem to have reaped positive results. With around 20 features per year (for a population of 4m people), production has reached a decisive level.

Indeed, quantity calls for diversity. The aim is thus to promote this diversity, through prestigious events such as social evenings and open days.

Moreover, a study has been commissioned to find out more about the public’s perception of Belgian Francophone cinema. Another announcement is that promotional funding will be increased. These subsidies will be cumulative, allocated at the start of shooting, and adapted to the films’ promotional strategies, in order to help professionalise the act of communication.

(Translated from French)