Angela Merkel’s new government confirmed its support for the local film industry as it prepared to be sworn in on Wednesday (October 28). 

The new Christian Democrat CDU and Free Democrat FDP government pledged to further support Germany as a film location through its successful German Federal Film Fund (DFFF); revise the German film law; and support the roll-out of digital cinemas.

German film production was hit earlier in the year after the German Federal Film Board (FFA), which finances local and international projects, cut all funding following a legal clash between broadcasters and German cinema exhibitors over contributions. Currently, broadcasters only have to make voluntary contributions but exhibitors have called for this to be changes.

It also intends to work on proving measures to protect intellectual property.

Bernd Nuemann, Germany’s State Minister for Culture and Media, has been re-appointed in the post for another four years. Credited with the introduction of the DFFF, the move is expected to please the local industry.

Recent international projects supported by the DFFF include Inglourious Basterds, The Ghost, Black Death and Carlos - The Jackal.

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