The UK Film Council is launching a £70,000 InternationalFestival Sales Support (IFSS) scheme to help boost UK films invited to competeat next year's Sundance, Rotterdam and Berlin festivals.

Open from now until 31 March 2005, the new funding isdesigned to raise the profile of UK talent, services and crews internationallyand to secure distribution of UK films abroad.

The funding can be used support promotional opportunitiesin various ways including: the production of subtitled prints; travel andaccommodation costs for the director and key stars; a press campaign, including theappointment of an international public relations agency; and marketing itemssuch as advertising and print material.

The guidelines and application forms are available on theUK Film Council website at www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk.

Successful applicants will be granted a minimum of £1,500until the budget for the scheme has been spent. The funding is reserved for films that make their internationalfestival premiere at one of the festivals.