As part of an ongoing push to 'internationalise local cinema,' Puerto Rico has signed a pact with Spain to facilitate feature film co-productions between the two countries.

The deal follows Puerto Rico's new participation this year in the pan-regional Ibermedia program and inclusion last year in the Iberoamerican Conference of Cinematographic Authorities (CACI).

Agreeing to "facilitate, promote and foment cinematographic activity in both countries," the accord envisions attaching Spanish financing to Puerto Rican films and bringing Spanish shoots to the island. Both parties can tap into each others' state subsidies and incentives as well.

Puerto Rico secretary of state Ferdinand Mercado suggested that "Puerto Rico has the potential to become an important partner for Spain as a linking point between the US, the Caribbean region and Latin American countries."

A key co-producer on Spanish-language cinema from Latin America, Spain participated in 29 Iberoamerican co-productions last year and already has official agreements in the region with Argentina, Brazil and Cuba.

The accord, of an undefined duration, was inked in San Juan by Jose Maria Otero, general director of Spanish film institute ICAA, and Laura Velez, executive director of the Puerto Rican filmmaking development corporation.