In a response to 'the rapid technological development, new audience patterns, and the concentration of power in the cinema market,' the Swedish Film Institute has devised a new plan of action to support the promotion and distribution of quality films in the newlandscape.
The recent bankruptcies of quality film distributor, Triangelfilm, and the Astoria Cinemas theatre circuit, are among the events which have encouraged institute CEO Cissi Elwin to discuss the situation with the industry and instigate an analysis of the current subsidy schemes.
'We have accordingly tried to find out how we can improve our present support system, and which political decisions will be necessary for long-term measures,' explained Elwin, who last year had a $7m (Euros 4.7m) budget to back distribution and exhibition.
The institute will double the grants for import and release of quality films, both as slate funding (several titles) or for single pick-ups. It will increase support for distribution of shorts and documentaries, as well as for promotion and marketing of domestic features.
Mainly high-profile festivals complementing the general cinema repertoire can expect more institute attention. Smaller cinemas can apply for financial help not only to buy digital equipment, but also to maintain a quality programme and develop local audiences.
In another move yesterday the Swedish Film Institute named the two film projects which will be the first to benefit from the Rookie Fund, set up to invigorate Swedish film by recruiting new talents 'with lots of energy and creativity' through financing five low-budget, primarily first features annually.
Playwright and director Petra Revenue will make Karaoke King (Karaokekungen), her feature debut - a roadmovie set between Göteborg and the North, about Pirko whose thirst for love remains unnoticed. Martin Persson will produce for Anagram.
Also a first feature, Guidance, from Johan Jonason - whose short,
Terrible Boy, was nominated for a national film award - is the story of a 50-year-old washed-out man, trying to find himself at a psychiatrist. Producers are Mimmi Spång and Rebecka Lafrenz, of Garagefilm.
The recent bankruptcies of quality film distributor, Triangelfilm, and the Astoria Cinemas theatre circuit, are among the events which have encouraged institute CEO Cissi Elwin to discuss the situation with the industry and instigate an analysis of the current subsidy schemes.
'We have accordingly tried to find out how we can improve our present support system, and which political decisions will be necessary for long-term measures,' explained Elwin, who last year had a $7m (Euros 4.7m) budget to back distribution and exhibition.
The institute will double the grants for import and release of quality films, both as slate funding (several titles) or for single pick-ups. It will increase support for distribution of shorts and documentaries, as well as for promotion and marketing of domestic features.
Mainly high-profile festivals complementing the general cinema repertoire can expect more institute attention. Smaller cinemas can apply for financial help not only to buy digital equipment, but also to maintain a quality programme and develop local audiences.
In another move yesterday the Swedish Film Institute named the two film projects which will be the first to benefit from the Rookie Fund, set up to invigorate Swedish film by recruiting new talents 'with lots of energy and creativity' through financing five low-budget, primarily first features annually.
Playwright and director Petra Revenue will make Karaoke King (Karaokekungen), her feature debut - a roadmovie set between Göteborg and the North, about Pirko whose thirst for love remains unnoticed. Martin Persson will produce for Anagram.
Also a first feature, Guidance, from Johan Jonason - whose short,
Terrible Boy, was nominated for a national film award - is the story of a 50-year-old washed-out man, trying to find himself at a psychiatrist. Producers are Mimmi Spång and Rebecka Lafrenz, of Garagefilm.
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