EFP Announces Funding Opportunities for European Films at FILMART 2026
In addition to the standard European pool, films from Switzerland are eligible for support through international measures funded by the Federal Office of Culture, Media Desk Suisse, and SWISS FILMS.
RMN Stars Business Desk
New Delhi | December 30, 2025
HONG KONG – European Film Promotion (EFP) has officially issued a public call for Film Sales Support (FSS) to bolster the presence of European cinema at the upcoming Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART), scheduled for March 17–20, 2026. This initiative aims to assist European world sales companies in executing physical and digital promotion campaigns targeting buyers and distributors in markets outside of Europe.
Eligibility and Application Details
The call is open to European world sales companies that are registered with the European Commission’s Funding & Tender Opportunities Portal and have received approval from their respective national film promotion institutes. A key requirement for eligibility is that the company’s sales agent must be in attendance at the market.
Interested parties have until February 24, 2026, to submit their applications through the EFP online portal.
Scope of Financial Support
The FSS program provides an investment of up to 50% of total promotion costs, with a maximum grant of €5,000 per campaign for an overall expenditure of €10,000. While the funding covers marketing and digital campaign investments, it specifically excludes travel and hotel costs for site attendance.
In a move to champion diverse storytelling, EFP is offering an additional €500 Top Up Grant per application. This grant is specifically earmarked for the promotion of films that depict gender balance, equity, and inclusion.
Film Selection Criteria
To qualify for support, films must meet several specific criteria:
- Recency: Films must have an original copyright established in 2025 or 2026.
- Format: The call is open to fiction, animation, and feature-length documentaries with a minimum length of 60 minutes.
- Origin: Films must be majority-produced in a country that is part of Creative Europe Media.
- Status: Both finished and unfinished films (those in production or post-production) are eligible.
Applications may include up to five films, provided those films have not previously received FSS support at other festivals or markets.
Special Provisions for Swiss Cinema
In addition to the standard European pool, films from Switzerland are eligible for support through international measures funded by the Federal Office of Culture, Media Desk Suisse, and SWISS FILMS. However, applications for Swiss films must be submitted separately from general European applications.
Think of the Film Sales Support (FSS) as a “booster engine” for a film’s journey to global markets. While the filmmakers provide the “vehicle” (the movie) and the “fuel” (travel and lodging), the EFP provides the extra power needed to ensure the film’s marketing message reaches audiences far beyond its home borders, helping it navigate the competitive landscape of international distribution.
