11-01-2013

New Czech Film Law Awaits EU Approval

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    Prague, Czech Republic, photo by y ashleypalmero on flickr (CC by nd) Prague, Czech Republic, photo by y ashleypalmero on flickr (CC by nd)

    PRAGUE: The long-awaited Czech Film Law, which was adopted by the Czech Parliament on its second vote after overriding a veto by Czech President Vaclav Klaus, is waiting for ratification by the European Commission.

    The ratification is required as the fund allocation exceeds the extent of support permitted by the European Union. Ratification could take up to three months.

    The new law was widely applauded by the Czech film community. The Ministry of Culture will begin a selection process for a director of the new fund, who should be nominated by the Minister of Culture. The new fund will take over administration of the Film Industry Support Programme, which has been handled by the Ministry of Culture.

    In addition, the Minister of Culture will nominate audiovisual experts whose reports will be crucial in decisions regarding support for projects. The process will be coordinated by the new Fund director.

    The first calls for grants are not expected to be announced before the fund management is in place.