Major successes for EU-backed films at Berlinale International Film Festival

Two films supported by the European Union’s MEDIA programme have been honoured at the closing ceremony of the Berlinale International Film Festival 19 February 2012. “A Royal Affair” directed by Nikolaj Arcel won two Silver Bear awards for Best Script and Best Actor. In addition, “L’enfant d’en haut/Sister” by Ursula Meier received a special Silver Bear award and The Portuguese film “Tabu” by Miguel Gomes obtained the FIPRESCI International Film Critics award. In total 18 European films supported by the MEDIA programme were screened at the festival; in total they have received more than € 1.6 million, mainly for film development and distribution throughout Europe.

 “European films are among the best in the world and our excellent film industry showcases European creativity at its best. I am proud that the MEDIA programme has been able to support so many great film projects this year,” said Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth. “I also congratulate the Gold Bear winner, the Taviani Brothers.”

 Commissioner Vassiliou attended the Berlinale festival to highlight her plans to increase support for MEDIA as part of the new ‘Creative Europe‘ programme. The Commission has proposed an overall budget of €1.8 billion in 2014-2020 for Creative Europe; of this, around €900 million would be allocated to MEDIA.

To find out more:

European Commission’s website about the MEDIA programme

Full list of prize winners in Berlin

Europa.ba