The EU's MEDIA Programme has increased its funding for multi-country promotional group European Film Promotion (EFP). MEDIA will contribute $813,810 (Euros 550,000) for EFP activities in Europe and $924,304 (Euros 624,000) for activities outside of Europe. The total of $1.73m (Euros 1.17m) is greater than 2007's $1.6m (Euros 1.08m).

The MEDIA backing covers up to 50% of the pan-European promotional group's expenses. EFP includes 27 member organisations who also contribute to the budget.

EFP plans 11 promotional events in 2008, up from seven in 2007.

Events backed in Europe are Shooting Stars at Berlin and three other festivals, touring Shooting Stars, Picture! Europe, Producers on The Move at Cannes, Variety Critics Choice at Karlovy Vary, and Spotlight on Distributors at San Sebastian.

Outside of Europe, activities are Film Sales Support at Sundance, Mar Del Plata, Guadalajara, Shanghai, Toronto, Rio and Pusan; additional activities in Toronto, Pusan and the Independent Buenos Aires; the Umbrella Office at the AFM; and EFP industry screenings in New York.

'The Media Programme has been our natural ally and supporter of our activities since the beginning. Without its support, EFP would never have been able to help European films and producers cross so many borders,' said EFP president Claudia Landsberger. 'Our creativity and innovation has helped to heighten the awareness for our films and film makers and increased their visibility. Film festivals and markets are strong partners with whom we have forged alliances to help our films find their audiences.'

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