Uruguayan Film and Audiovisual Institute

The institute was created by Law 18284 in 2008. It is the public institution in charge of the design of Uruguay´s national policies towards its audiovisual sector. Its objectives include the promotion and encouragement of and incentives for the production, coproduction, distribution and screening of film and audiovisual works and projects; encouragement of actions and initiatives, which might contribute to the development of a film culture; monitoring of the audiovisual sector; implementation and execution of agreements; promotion of audiovisual education and the generation of the necessary conditions for the appropriate nationwide distribution. (www.icau.mec.gub.uy) 

Challenges identified in the implementation of this measure:

Citizen oriented follow-up of the growth of this sector. Upgrading of the Promotion Grant regarding its reach and funds available. Evaluation, integration and promotion of new support tools. Adjustment of the legal framework to the new realities and subsectors of the audiovisual field. Promotion and support for digital audiovisual contents, so as to put in practice the right of all social sectors of the country to communicate, share and recreate their histories, values and ways of perceiving the world. If this is to be achieved it will be necessary to make twice the effort to produce quality contents while respecting cultural diversity and identities and adding value to general and civic education.