The European-wide network European Film Promotion (EFP) is expanding to 30 countries, with the arrival of the Croatian Audiovisual Centre and the Film Centre Serbia (FCS) as the latest members.

The Hamburg-based network of film promotion and export organisations now consists of 29 members from 30 countries across Europe.

Welcoming the latest members, EFP's managing director Renate Rose said: 'The filmmakers from Central and Eastern Europe give a lot of input for the Western countries. This offers new subject matter, other narrative forms and a different aesthetic. Moreover, it also provides a new market.'

Meanwhile, Albert Kapovic, chief executive of the fledgling Croatian Audiovisual Centre, launched at the beginning of 2008, pointed out that 'joining the EFP family will bring great benefits to Croatian films and filmmakers and give them an opportunity to contribute on their part to the promotion of European cinema and cultural diversity.'

Mirolub Vuckovic, acting director of the FCS, added that EFP 'is a moving mirror for all of us who want to give as well as to receive. Becoming a member of EFP presents a new challenge and a new motivation for Serbian filmmakers.'

Supported by the European Union's MEDIA Programme, EFP has recently organised a showcase of East European distributors at the San Sebastian Film Festival, and will be having an umbrella stand at the forthcoming AFM for the tenth time for European independent companies.

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