With the aim of opening up new markets outside the European Union, the European Film Promotion (EFP) is to launch its new Film Sales Support (FSS) initiative at this month's Buenos Aires Film Festival (April 14-25).

FSS offers financial support to sales companies and producers who promote and market European films at four selected international film festivals in 2004. The initiative is backed by the EU's Media Programme.

Ten films have received backing from FSS, including Alex van Warmerdam's Grimm which is sold by Fortissimo Film Sales, Ruth Mader's Struggle (Austrian Film Commission) and Jaime Rosales' The Hours Of The Day (Bavaria Film International).

A total of Euro 40,000 has been earmarked for sales companies or producers attending the Buenos Aires festival and with films screening in the official programme. FSS finances 50% of the costs for activities such as the production and transport of a subtitled print, production of posters, brochures and flyers, the hiring of a local press agent, and travel costs for the sales agent or the producer and the director of the film.

The next festival to take part in the FSS initiative is the Moscow International Film Festival (June 18-27).