The initiative of the Ministry of Culture to create the National Film Fund was voted on today by Parliament, during the plenary session. The Fund will finance film production, as well as other audiovisual works. At the same time, it will support the development of film projects, including international co-productions, film distribution, and the promotion of cinema both nationally and internationally, reports IPN.

The fund will be managed by the National Center of Cinematography, a public institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture. The regulation regarding the distribution of financial resources is to be approved by the Government. However, the law stipulates a maximum limit of 50% of the cost of each funded project.

There will also be exceptions. In the case of international co-productions, funding can reach up to 60%, and for difficult-to-make audiovisual works, state aid can cover the costs in full.

The project also envisages the expansion of financial support for experimental films, art films or productions with a high degree of complexity, with the aim of diversifying the cultural offer and encouraging artistic innovation.

In the current year, out of the total budget allocated to the cultural and educational sector, amounting to 635.3 million lei, 20.1 million lei were allocated for the support of cinematography.

The project to amend the Cinematography Law was approved in the first reading by 58 deputies. The final reading vote is to follow.