The Favourite, an Irish-UK-US coproduction by Yorgos Lanthimos, received € 50,000 of EU funding for its development, via the Creative Europe MEDIA programme.
EU-supported film Custody wins best film at the 44th Cesar Awards
Also during the weekend, some EU-supported films stood out during the 44th edition of the French César Awards, held on Friday 22 February. In particular, Custody by Xavier Legrand was one of the big winners of the night receiving up to five awards. The portrait of a family torn by domestic violence won the award to the best film, as well as the Césars to best actress for Lea Drucker, best original screenplay, and best editing for Yorgos Lamprinos. The first feature film by Legrand got € 55,996 EU funding through the Creative Europe MEDIA programme for its distribution in eleven countries.
The other two EU-supported films rewarded at the French ceremony were Dilili in Paris by Christophe Rossignon, which won best animated film, and Sink or Swim (Le Grand Bain) for the interpretation of Philippe Katerine as best supporting actor.
Promoting European cinema
To promote Europe's unique diversity of films in an accessible way to a wide audience, the MEDIA programme has launched the third edition of the EU Film Contest. It particularly aims to reach young people with an interest in films/TV and the next generation of film makers. Participants can test how much they know about European films for a chance to experience the behind the scenes of Cannes Film Festival and discover the European audiovisual industry at work.
Background
The EU's MEDIA programme plays a crucial role in supporting Europe's audiovisual sector through the development, promotion and distribution of thousands of films as well as support to training programmes, film festivals, cinema networks or distribution platforms. It also holds regular stakeholders dialogues via the European Film Forums organised in the framework of film festivals or TV markets.