16/10/2008

Since the introduction in August 2005 of the new Polish film law, the main source of funding for productions has been the PISF (Polish Film Institute). Moreover, despite the regular reduction in the subsidies it receives, the PISF keeps increasing its support for production. The amount has risen from €23m in 2006 to €29.4m set aside for 2009.

As pointed out by PISF director Agnieszka Odorowicz at the latest Gdynia Polish Film Festival, young directors occupy an important place in the support system and the funding earmarked for them is set to increase to €5.8m in 2009 (compared to €2.9m in 2006). Projects for debut features are judged by a committee of experts, half of which is composed of young filmmakers.

In order to improve the quality of debut films, the PISF intends to alter the system that accompanies the financial support, by asking experienced directors to supervise the production of debut features.

This aim of raising the standard of debut works is also behind the creation of the Andrzej Munk Studio ("Mlodzi i Film"- Young People and Film) headed by director Dariusz Gajewski. This is a joint initiative between the PISF, the SFP (Polish Filmmakers Association), the Culture Ministry and Polish public TV network TVP. Moreover, TVP is one of the major co-producers of Polish film, allocating €7.4m for film production.

Another new announcement is the creation of the regional funds. There are currently eight funds in operation (the first was set up in 2007 in Lodz) and four others are expected to be launched soon. Their budgets vary from €30,000 in Krakow to €600,000 for Lower Silesia (with its regional capital Wroclaw).

(Translated from French)