Heeding a request madeearlier this month by new culture minister Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, theFrench film board (CNC) has called a meeting of professionals for thisWednesday to discuss the possible opening of the local subsidy system tonon-European companies.

The minister's request cameon the heels of a Paris court's decision to reject the French status ofJean-Pierre Jeunet's A Very Long Engagement.

The court ruled thatalthough the company is domiciled in France, it was controlled by US majorWarner Bros.

The film itself was Frenchin practically every way - the majority of the talent, language, locations,posting, etc - but French law dictates that non-European companies are notpermitted access to the cushy national subsidy system.

New CNC president CatherineColonna told Screen International's sister paper Le Film Francais thatthe debate to be opened within the industry would "define" the conditions underwhich non-European companies could invest locally and reap the benefits ofdoing so as is the case with French and other European producers. "It is normalto give privilege to French and European works and to favour employment inFrance. But why refuse certain capital if it comes to the aid of Frenchcinema'"

Past attempts to bring theindustry together on this issue have failed but with a new culture minister whoseems determined to loosen the rules, a solution may be forthcoming.