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The European film support fund Eurimages, which promotes co-productions and the distribution of cinematic and audiovisual works, has made a landmark and long-awaited decision that changes the rules for financing European films. From now on, producers receiving support from the fund will be required to refuse commercial distribution of their films in Russia. The announcement was made by representatives of the digital community Strichka.
The statement notes that this decision was more than a year in the making: experts, lawyers, and representatives of the member states carefully worked through all the legal aspects, seeking a formula that would be both lawful and effective. The process proved complex and lengthy, but the outcome carries strategic significance.
The need for such a decision had been evident for some time. For years, there were cases where films produced with support from European taxpayers ended up in Russian distribution, generating profits for the aggressor state. These revenues amounted to millions, effectively serving as an additional source for Russia’s budget. Moreover, Russian distributors often purchased rights as part of a so-called “territory package,” which typically included both Russia and Ukraine. As a result, Ukrainian audiences were unable to legally access European films that had, in part, been funded by their own taxpayers.
The new Eurimages decision introduces a transparent mechanism of public accountability. If producers ignore the requirement and allow their works to be screened in Russia, their names will be made public. In this way, a cultural tool of pressure and control is being formed, leaving no room for compromises that could benefit the aggressor.
“Ukraine once again proves: even in the most difficult times, it remains an active and influential part of the European cultural community. This is not a symbolic gesture, but a concrete step towards cultural honesty and justice,” said Andriy Osipov, Head of the Ukrainian State Film Agency, adding that this is neither a compromise nor an exception, but a tool and a new standard.
The adopted decision creates real barriers to the use of European content in the Russian Federation. It introduces a mechanism that prevents financing the aggressor state through European cultural products and provides for the public disclosure of producers’ names who continue to cooperate with the Russian industry.
As a reminder, we recently reported that Strichka had called on Ukrainians abroad and allies around the world to take decisive action and boycott the concerts of Russian rapper Morgenshtern, who is planning a world tour this fall with shows scheduled in European and American cities.
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