As the 11th Rencontres Cinematographiques de Beaune drew to a close Sunday (Oct 28), filmmakers comprising the association of writers, directors and producers (ARP) issued a statement outlining the most pertinent points to come from a weekend of debates.

The main themes are nothing new in Beaune (cultural diversity, author's rights, etc.) where ARP meets annually - alongside representatives from the European Commission and U.S. groups like the MPA and AFMA - to present an open forum for discussion on topics currently facing the French industry.

In ARP's communique the group said it was pleased with statements made by Culture Minister Catherine Tasca who opened the debates on Friday: A film is not a piece of merchandise, author's rights do not impede the presence of French films in the marketplace and that the government plans to preserve regulations regarding private digital copying.

The group also called on UNESCO to continue to examine the creation of a means by which to ensure a global right to cultural diversity and asked that politicos "take concrete initiatives which will allow each country to preserve and promote its own culture."

Further, ARP approved a call by the EC to define the system of state film aid within a framework of community competition policy and asked that measures be adopted as soon as possible at the EC level allowing the perpetuation of recognising this aid.

Jointly with the representatives of American producers attending the confab, ARP asked "that governments assure the protection of artistic works...by adopting international laws concerning their circulation and exhibition on the Internet."