39th Film Week underlines Hungarian film law success
This year's Hungarian Film Week underlines the overwhelming success of the Hungarian Motion Picture Act, which is now in its fourth year of operation. The system of support it introduced…
Czech comedies are on the rise (update)
The traditional gloom-ridden Czech film may be giving way to a brand new trend if Wedding on the Battlefield, a comedy by Dušan Klein, is any indication. In its first…
Poland picks up four television awards
Poland's TVP won awards for all four films it submitted in the prestigious television program competition New York Festivals 2008. TVP picked up two golden medals and two bronze medals…
Estonian cinema has banner year in 2007
2007 was a record-breaking year for Estonian cinema, both on the home front and abroad, the Estonian Film Foundation reported on Friday (Feb. 1). Estonian films attracted 232,478 domestic admissions…
Several trends key to success for Estonian film industry
Several trends in Estonian cinema emerged during 2007 that led to a record-breaking year, the Estonian Film Foundation said on Friday (Feb. 1).
Nominations for Polish Eagles to be announced Monday
Final preparations are under way for the 2008 edition of the Polish Film Awards, the country's equivalent of the Oscars. Nominations for Eagles in 15 categories will be announced on…
Hungarian Film Week gets under way
The 39th Hungarian Film Week opened this week during a time described as one of momentous change for the industry. Among the most important issues is the European Union's objections…
Bathory producers fend off bankruptcy petition
A Prague city court has rejected a motion to declare bankrupt the production company owned by Juraj Jakubisko and his wife Deanna Jakubisková, after the couple presented evidence they had…
Wajda to start shooting new film
Polish film icon Andrzej Wajda, whose film Katyn has been nominated for an Academy Award, will start shooting in May or June a film based on "Tatarak," a story by…
Estonia reviewing VAT rates on tickets
The Estonian government is reviewing the issue of VAT rates on tickets to cultural events following a high court ruling that found the current reduced 5% rate unconstitutional. The lower…
Six new EU states have lower VAT rates for culture
European Union laws permit reduced VAT rates for cultural activities, and half of the 12 new EU member states apply them. Here is a listing of VAT rates on audiovisual…
Competition launched for new Solidarity film
The European Solidarity Centre and the Polish Film Institute have launched an open competition for a script about the Solidarity movement and its international impact. The prize for the winning…
Time to Die travels to US, Europe
Dorota Kędzierzawska's and Arthur Reinhart's newest film Time to Die is being showcased this week at its fourth international film festival in a month. The film will have three showings…
ScripTeast participants prepare for Berlinale session
Participants in the second edition of the ScripTeast scriptwriting workshops are gearing up for the next stage to be held Feb. 9-12 at the Berlin International Film Festival during which…
Czech Republic back on U.S. anti-piracy Watch List
The Czech Republic has been put back on the U.S. Trade Representative's Watch List after eight years, amid concerns about a lack of progress in efforts to fight piracy. Among…
IRIS Merlin legal database becomes more user-friendly
Filmmakers now have several new ways to obtain legal information on the audiovisual sector in Europe. According to analysts at the European Audiovisual Laboratory, part of the Council of Europe…
Saviours Square wins top honours in Trieste
Saviour's Square (Plac Zbawiciela), a contemporary Polish drama by Joanna Kos-Krauze and Krzysztof Krauze, took top honours at the Trieste International Film Festival which closed Thursday (Jan. 24). The jury…
Hungarian Film Week announces competition
Eighteen titles are competing for the Golden Reel Award during the 39th Hungarian Film Week which kicks off Jan. 29. The festival, which runs through Feb. 5, will also host…
International shoot about Russian dissident starts in Poland
Within the Whirlwind, an international production directed by Oscar laureate Marleen Gorris, began shooting Jan. 24 in Poland. The movie's screenplay is based on the bestselling autobiography of famous Russian…
Czech cinema sales, attendance figures for 2007
Among Czech distributors, Falcon a.s. (www.falcon.cz) was the leader in 2007 with 394.3 million crowns (€15 million) in sales, according to figures provided by the Czech Film Distributors' Association. Second…