28-09-2010

FNE Focus: Georgian National System of Film Support

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    TBILISI: The key document providing the framework of state support to filmmaking is the Georgian Law on State support to Georgian National Cinematography (dated 5 December 2000).

    The central body for funding Georgian films is the Georgian National Film Center (GNFC), which is a legal entity of public law under the Ministry of Culture and Monuments protection of Georgia supporting the film industry with a total of 4,100,000 GEL annually.

    The goal of the GNFC is to secure and coordinate state support for the development of the Georgian Cinema.

    The objectives of the GNFC are:

    • Financial support of Georgian film production

    • Definition of a strategic course for the film sector

    • Supporting the film education

    • Supporting the development of the cinema network

    • Supporting projects aimed at the preservation of film heritage

    • Supporting the organization of local film festivals and other film related activities

    • Developing film export at the international level

    • Supporting the development of film infrastructure

    Since its establishment the GNFC has supported the number of feature, short, documentaries and animated films. It has also represented the country at international film festivals and markets. The GNFC has issued numerous important publications about cinema. It has participated in the financing of projects aimed at the promotion and preservation the cinema in Georgia.

    In 2009 a new strategy for the film industry development was approved by the Ministry of Culture and Monuments Protection of Georgia, leading to double the state budget for film industry support in the country.

    GNFC’s budget and allocation for film production

    2007 2008 2009 2010
    Budget (GNFC) 1.300.000 1.700.000 2.000.000 4.000.000
    Film Production 1.008.000 1.300.000 1.200.000 3.000.000
    rate* 1 Euro 2,29 2,192,18 2,30
    Budget (Euro) 568,622 776,901 916,338 1,782.260
    Film Production (Euro) 440,174 593,607 550,460 1,304,348