For the first time, the pan-European marketing initiative European Film Promotion (EFP) has received confirmation of support in advance for a whole year from the European Commission's MEDIA Plus Programme rather than on a project-by-project basis.

"This year-long contract will allow us the necessary lead time to develop our projects in the most thoughtful and effective way possible", EFP managing director Renate Rose commented. "It also demonstrates MEDIA Plus' confidence in and commitment to EFP and its goals."

Apart from a new venture at the Buenos Aires Independent International Film Festival in April and a reprise of the "Touring Shooting Stars Programme" at selected festivals in Europe, EFP will again organise the "Shooting Stars" platform of new acting talent at the Berlinale (Good Bye, Lenin! star Daniel Bruehl has already been selected to represent Germany) , "Producers on the Move" spotlight on up-and.coming producers at Cannes, a showcase of ten European films at Karlovy Vary, an annual presentation of Europe's most dynamic directing talent at Toronto, and the promotion of the best of European cinema to the Asian film community in Pusan.

In addition, EFP will arrange an umbrella stand at the AFM in February offering improved market access for European independent producers and sales agents.

EFP's activities are also supported by contributions from its member organisations, France's CNC and private sponsors, while the running of its Hamburg headquarters is financed by the German State Minister for Culture and Media (BKM) and the Cultural Department of the City of Hamburg.