The MEDIA Programme aims to encourage the wider circulation of European audio-visual works and supports the exhibition of non-national European films in independent European cinemas.

This support is chanelled through the organization Europa Cinemas which is a network of such cinemas in Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean.

Ireland currently has three member cinemas in the Network - the Irish Film Institute, the Cinemobile - Ireland's travelling cinema and Access Cinema.

Digitisation of Cinemas

The MEDIA Programme also supports the Digitisation of European Cinemas. The support is aimed at European independent cinema operators who screen a majority of European films and who acquire and install a digital projector meeting the applicable international standards. The support awarded is in the form of a lump sum of €20,000 per screen aimed at co-financing the costs related to the digital transition of European theatres excluding the cost of the digital projector and server.

Next deadline for support is January 31 2013.

Click here for further information, Guidelines and Application Forms.