Spain has been named the Country in Focus for the upcoming European Film Market at the 75th Berlinale. The EFM will run Feb. 13-19.
According to market organizers, Spain’s “many filmmakers make Spain a dynamic and strong European film location with international appeal, as well as a long-standing and successful tradition of numerous films in the festival program as well as at the EFM and in the Berlinale’s industry initiatives.”
EFM’s choice to shine a light on Spain is the latest in a string of recognitions for the Southern European country, which featured as the Country of Honor at the 2023 Marche du Film, Locarno’s Open Doors focus territory this past summer and will be the Country of Honor at Mipcom 2024 later this month.
“Spanish filmmaking has enriched the Berlinale program for decades,” Festival Director Tricia Tuttle said in a release. “Many hundreds of Spanish productions, created by outstanding and acclaimed talents, have dazzled audiences and juries alike, with nine films having won the festival’s highest accolade, the Golden Bear for Best Film… We are so looking forward to celebrating the Spanish film industry at the upcoming European Film Market.”
Spanish Golden Bear winners at Berlinales past include Carla Simón’s “Alcarràs” (2022), Claudia Llosa’s “The Milk of Sorrow” (2009), Mario Camus’ “La colmena” (1983) and Carlos Saura’s “Deprisa, deprisa” (1981).
Pedro Almodóvar’s “La Ley del Deseo” won the first-ever Teddy Award in the Berlinale’s Panorama section in 1987.
Key factors in Spain’s selection by the EFM included the country’s commitment to sustainable filmmaking practices and its ongoing efforts towards digitalizing its film sector. Of particular interest to EFM attendees will be Spain’s favorable tax incentives and subsidies, making it one of the countries to keep an eye on at any European market and a much-desired co-production destination.
Said Berlinale Pro* Director Tanja Meissner: “The Spanish film and media industry has solidified its reputation and global acclaim to become a European powerhouse thanks to creative excellence, targeted investments, and technological innovations, enjoying a strong international presence with high-quality content and originality. The country offers competitive tax incentives, co-production agreements, and a strong industry infrastructure.”
Ernest Urtasun, Spain’s Minister of Culture, added: “The European Film Market is, without a doubt, one of the most powerful platforms for European cinematography and Spain being a ‘Country in Focus’ will allow us to make visible the enormous talent of the Spanish industry in all its areas: creation, production, distribution and the global positioning of our cinema. That is the task and pride of this Ministry of Culture: to support and make known our film industry, our creators, and to allow Spanish cinema to continue growing, as it already is, in the global market and among viewers around the world.”