Georgian National Film Centre (GNFC)
The GNFC supports the development of Georgian film industry at the levels of project development, production, distribution and promotion. The Center promotes Georgia's rich film culture, strives to preserve its traditions and aims to create a competitive market. One of the priorities of the Georgian National Film Center is to turn films into a product that will facilitate economic development of the country as well as safeguarding its cultural and educational values. The goal is to retain national film traditions and, at the same time, lay the ground work for the development of contemporary Georgian movies. Since its establishment GNFC provides financial investment in films, represents the country at international film festivals and markets, supports organisation of international film festivals locally, issues numerous publications and funds projects aimed at the awareness raising and promoting movies in Georgia. The main objectives of the Georgian National Film Center are :
- Fostering national production, distribution and promotion of films
- Determining the strategic for the development of the Georgian film sector ensuring cultural diversity;
- Funding local film production;
- Facilitating the development of film education;
- Developing International relations and promoting intercultural dialogue through films;
- Developing film export at the local and international level;
- Facilitating the development of film infrastructure.
Georgian National Film Centre (GNFC) is a Legal Entity of Public Law established by the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia, although it operates at arm's-length from government. GNFC is a main funding agency for film (90 financed movies in 2012-2015) actively supporting the development of the film industry in Georgia. It develops international business links and supports international coproduction (i.e. Cash rebate system which offers producers 25% rebates of qualified expenses incurred in Georgia.This is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia, the Ministry of Economy and Enterprise Georgia aimed at developing local film production, attracting foreign film production, developing country’s tourism potential and increasing country's visibility and direct foreign investments. In addition to this regulation another amendment was done in the national Tax Code, according to which the beneficiary filmmakers of the Georgian National Film Centre will be subject to profit taxation only after the film release and 100% amortization right will be applied ). The membership of Eurimages since 2011 is also a very effective instrument in this direction (16 realized coproduction with European countries for nowadays).
The GNFC also supports the development of distribution, sales, rentals of Georgian films, invests in audience development activities. Since 2014 it leads the educational project "Cinema at schools", which covers all the regions of Georgia with 205 villages in total and promotes Georgian films abroad ( Festivals, retrospectives and film markets etc.). Since 2011 GFNC is also a member of the European Film Promotion (EFP) - a network promoting european films and Film New Europe (FNE)- digital media covering international film industry. It has received also the grant under Creative Europe programme.
Implementation of the policy has increased production of films in Georgia. Since the accession to EURIMAGES, there are 16 realized coproduction with European countries. Membership also created opportunities for tangible benefits for the Georgian filmmakers in the form of obtaining alternative funding in line with co-productions and distribution / exhibition.
International Positioning of Georgian film sector has been improved. Georgian projects are better introduced at various European fairs, forums and festivals. Some of the achievements of this direction are: membership to the EURIMAGES, the Film New Europe and to the European Film Promotion. Evidence at international film markets has been increased (boat meetings, the co-production market of Cottbus film festival, the Wiesbaden film festival, industry events at the Sarajevo Film Festival, and the Sofia Meetings). These events encouraged Georgian filmmakers to seek alternative funding, develop their projects and master their networking and pitching skills;
There is already an internationally recognised new wave of young Georgian filmmakers reviving the country’s Soviet-era reputation for filmmaking. Attractiveness, including economical benefits for foreign investors making and production of films in Georgia, have widely been promoted. The number of investments into Georgian film industry including foreign investments have been increased. Various international film productions have been attracted by the GNFC to Georgia. Georgian movies have wan several top prizes and awards at the most prominent international film festivals. GFNC, also hosts several international film festivals.
During 2012-2015 period 90 projects were financed by the GNFC amounting to 11 326 773 Gel (4 500 000 Euro).
In 2012-2013 per year 4 200 000 Gel (1 680 000 Euro) and in 2014-2015 per year 5 200 000 Gel (2 080 000 Euro) was allocated for GNFC by the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia.