19/12/2003

To revitalise the export of French films to France's European neighbours, this is the strategy of Unifrance, the body in charge of promoting French films abroad. This new initiative is increasingly important given the overall drop in audience figures for French films shown in Italy, Germany, Spain, Belgium and Switzerland. This aim is to win back markets that are traditionally favourable to French cinema, and which constitute two thirds of French international films sales.

The policy is considered as an "absolute priority" by the president of Unifrance, Margaret Menegoz, and Europe will be the focus of a series of initiatives to stimulate the presence of French films on the markets of the Old Continent. The schemes include the 6th edition of the French Cinema Screenings being held in Paris from January 14 to 16, 2004, which will be attended by more than 350 buyers. The French productions on the programme will be divided up into three sections (recent features, unpublished works and special shows). Unifrance is also planning a special event in Spain, with Spanish producers and distributors, and it will also be increasing French participation in the San Sebastian Festival. There is also a new focus on Italy, and Unifrance is looking at ways of improving links with Germany, with a follow-up to the first edition of the French-German screenings, after the event's extraordinary success in Lyons last month. There are also plans to have wider French participation in the Berlin Festival.

(Translated from French)