At a public hearing held in Brussels yesterday to discuss the review of the TV without Frontiers directive, the European Film Companies Alliance (EFCA) called on the European Commission to propose stronger investment and market access obligations for European films to broadcasters.

"Today a broadcaster can comply with the TV without Frontiers directive without showing a single European film. The review is an opportunity to change this" said Rasmus Ramstad, EFCA chairman and president of Svensk Filmindustri, in a letter to fellow European producers calling on them to join forces to lobby.

The directive is intended to foster European film production and at ensuring those productions a minimum market access with regard to broadcasting rights.

The directive adopted in 1989 was revised in 1997. It is now subject to an overall review to be completed by December 2003. The public hearing was part of this review.

"We have to tell European politicians that whilst Hollywood increased its revenue 40% in 2002 in Europe, the independent European film sector is suffering as witnessed by the demise of numerous leading European independents. We have the responsibility not to let the European film industry be further marginalised in the global market place" stated EFCA spokesperson Philippe Kern at the hearing.