Italy Named Country in Focus at European Film Market 2024 in Berlin

Italy is the Country in Focus at the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin, running from February 15 to 21, 2024, concurrent with the Berlinale. The EFM is a key event for the film and audiovisual industry. Italian Ambassador to Germany Armando Varricchio highlighted that cinema serves as Italy's perfect business card, showcasing its cultural heritage and skilled professionals. Roberto Stabile, Head of Special Projects at the Directorate General for Cinema and Audiovisual (DGCA) of the Ministry of Culture (MiC) at Cinecittà, outlined three strategic lines: fostering co-productions at international festivals and markets, supporting foreign distributors through the Film Distribution Fund (€50,000 for theatrical and up to €15,000 for online distribution), and attracting productions to Italy by leveraging state and regional funds along with local Film Commissions. Cinecittà CEO Nicola Maccanico noted that Italy's selection came three years later than originally planned, but the timing is opportune as the Italian film market has consolidated. He compared the current situation to the 1960s boom at Cinecittà, with the added advantage of tax credits and financial incentives making Italy highly competitive. Cinecittà has hosted major productions, including Stefano Sollima's and Luca Guadagnino's latest film 'Queer' starring Daniel Craig, and is positioned to serve the strong European arthouse market.