Canada has become the first non-European country to accede to the Council of Europe’s cultural fund, Eurimages, as an associate member. Canada has a strong relationship with Europe in terms of co-productions and with Ireland in particular, having co-produced Maudie, Unless, Tomato Red, Brain on Fire, Room, and Brooklyn in recent years.
The country joins 37 European states already participating in the Fund, which distributes 25 million euros annually to film co-production, distribution and exhibition.
Eurimages opened its doors to countries outside the Council of Europe in December 2013 and Canada has become the first state outside Europe to take advantage of this opportunity.
Canada’s accession marks a new step for Eurimages and will serve to deepen the ties which already exist between the European and Canadian film industries. It will bring new opportunities for producers on both sides of the Atlantic in a sector that increasingly works on a global scale. We are convinced that it will foster innovative creative partnerships and look forward to working with our Canadian counterparts.
Eurimages President, Catherine Trautmann
Canada is honoured to become the first country outside Europe to join the Eurimages Cinema Support Fund. Our government understands the importance of supporting our creators in accessing international markets and audiences, and we are pleased to deepen Canada’s relationship with its European partners.
Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
Eurimages is a support fund for cinema co-production, theatrical distribution and exhibition established by the Council of Europe in 1988. Since its creation, it has supported 1834 European co-productions for a total amount of approximately €545 million.
Irish projects which have successfully applied for Eurimages funding include The Lobster, The Secret of Kells, As if I’m Not There, as well as upcoming projects Black ’47 and Halal Daddy.
As Canada’s membership takes effect immediately, Canadian producers may apply to Eurimages at the next call for projects (20 April). Full information on Eurimages and the application process may be found here.