Prominent filmmakers fear the reform package will fail

While the planned major reform of film funding continues its parliamentary course and was again on the agenda of the Federal Culture Committee this Wednesday, concerned voices from the industry are piling up.

Many fear that the broad three-pillar model consisting of a tax incentive model (up to 30 percent on everything) and an investment obligation (for streamers and broadcasters) will not be implemented and that only the law will be renewed, which previously covers the classic taxes on film theaters and VOD provider regulates.

“While the amendment to the Film Funding Act is coming to the finish line, the draft laws for investment obligations and tax incentive models are in danger of being lost in the offices of the government district or in the dispute between the federal and state governments,” says an appeal made by, among others, the filmmakers Fatih Akin, Florian Gallenberger, Maria Schrader and Tom Tykwer as well as the actors Iris Berben, Anke Engelke, Veronica Ferres, Ulrich Matthes, Elyas M’Barek and Katja Riemann have signed. “The consequence: Productions are not realized or continue to move abroad,” said the appeal, which was handed over to the members of the Federal Cultural Committee on Wednesday afternoon.

The prominent filmmakers draw attention to the fact that film is an important economic factor. “On behalf of 120,000 film and television professionals,” they are calling on those responsible to implement the film reform, including a tax incentive model and investment commitment. “Otherwise the curtain will fall on good films from Germany and on thousands of jobs.”

The call was initiated by the German Film Academy, the Production Alliance and the Producers’ Association. The actress and film academy president Alexandra Maria Lara told dpa that the entire industry is currently feeling paralysis. “Film has always been a project business, but in the last few months I’ve been hearing from all sides that it’s far too quiet.” Projects are being postponed or relocated abroad, and orders are not being received.

“We need to set the right course so that we can keep up with international competition not only artistically but also economically,” said Lara. There is tough competition among all film locations, and Germany has fallen seriously behind.

Tax incentives and investment obligations have long been practiced in other countries such as Austria or France, where they have stimulated the film industry. After an extension, the old film funding law will finally expire at the end of this year.