02-11-2015

New Polish Film Institute Director Pushes for Tax Incentives

By
    Magdalena Sroka Magdalena Sroka

    WARSAW: The new Director of Polish Film Institute Magdalena Sroka said that Poland needs film tax incentives and added that she plans to introduce a financial model to encourage business funding for films.

    Sroka was speaking at a panel marking the 10th anniversary of the Polish Film Institute.

    "With the new cinematography bill we created an effective legislative mechanism that constituted an industry where the balance between filmmakers and entrepreneurs is preserved. The entrepreneurs have a way of receive public funding and this mechanism is permanent," Sroka said.

    Noting the success of the Polish Film Institute, the president of the Polish Filmmakers Association Jacek Bromski said, "Currently, film associations from all over the world are jealous of our solutions and the co-operation that the Institute has with different organizations, such as the Polish Filmmakers Association and the Polish Audiovisual Producers Chamber of Commerce (KIPA). The young filmamkers are impressed with the system of début support, special funds and the activities of Munk Studio."

    Looking to the next steps the Polish Film Institute needs to take, Sroka stated that Polish cinema still needs "a second leg to stand on" in the form of tax incentives for foreign producers. She added, "There is a dire need to change the tax system so it is possible to invest in Polish cinema. We are also planning to introduce new fiscal solutions that would encourage Polish businessmen to allocate some of their funds into Polish film production."