In February the Call has been published for applications to this year's MEDIA International scheme, which aims to reinforce co-operation between EU and non-European professionals from the audiovisual industry, on a basis of mutual benefit.  MEDIA International runs in parallel to the existing MEDIA 2007 programme which supports the EU film industry.  

A new Call for Proposals, with an increased budget of €5 million (there was €2 million available for the Call in 2008), opened on 9 February 2009 and will close on 2 June 2009.

MEDIA International offers financial support for the following initiatives, proposed by consortia consisting of an EU coordinator and partners from EU and non-European countries:

1. Training of audiovisual professionals/students/trainers in the areas of production, co-production, distribution and promotion
2. Promotion at the development or production stage to help audiovisual/cinematographic works access the  international market
3. Distribution of cinematographic works by encouraging long-term cooperation between European and non-European professionals (distributors and/or sales agents and/or producers etc)
4. Screening of cinematographic works in cinemas.
5. Improving and increasing potential audiences for audiovisual/cinematographic works and supporting film literacy events.

For further information, guidelines and application forms for MEDIA International click here.

To see a list of the projects funded under MEDIA International in 2008 see here.