The European Union (EU) has launched an aid programme to support production and distribution of films from the crisis hit African, Caribbean and Pacific regions.

The new cash is coming from the EU's European Development Fund in an effort to boost cultural and social co-operation.

Production finance of Euros100,000 to Euros400,000 per film will be available. And on the distribution the EU will provide up to 40% of distribution and promotion costs up to a maximum of Euros80,000.

To be eligible projects must have a director from a country that has signed the Lome Convention and be either a live action picture, animation or creative documentary. They will also have to adhere to the EU's content guidelines on cultural and social co-operation.