Deadline: 09-Jul-2026
Applications are now open for the Network of European Cinemas Support Programme, which supports networks of European cinema operators that actively screen non-national European films and promote wider access to European audiovisual works.
The programme aims to strengthen the role of cinemas in increasing audiences for European films, encouraging cultural diversity, fostering innovation, and enhancing the cinema-going experience through collaboration, audience development, sustainability, and cross-border partnerships.
About the Programme
The Network of European Cinemas Support Programme supports collaborative networks of independent European cinemas that work together to promote and exhibit non-national European films.
By strengthening cooperation among cinemas across Europe, the initiative seeks to improve the circulation and visibility of European audiovisual works while helping cinema operators adapt to changing audience expectations and market conditions.
The programme also promotes innovation, sustainability, inclusion, and knowledge sharing across the European cinema sector.
Focus Areas
The programme supports:
- Screening of non-national European films
- Audience development
- Youth audience engagement
- European film promotion
- Cross-border cinema collaboration
- Cultural diversity
- Cinema innovation
- Sustainable cinema operations
- Inclusion and diversity initiatives
- Gender balance
- Best practice exchange
- Data collection and dissemination
- Policy dialogue
- Partnerships with cultural institutions
- Cinema audience outreach
- European audiovisual circulation
Purpose of the Programme
The initiative aims to:
- Increase audiences for European films
- Strengthen the circulation of non-national European works
- Support independent cinema operators
- Encourage collaboration among cinemas
- Attract younger audiences
- Improve audience engagement strategies
- Promote cultural diversity
- Strengthen cinema resilience
- Foster innovation in film exhibition
- Enhance access to European audiovisual content
Funding Information
Funding details include:
- Total programme budget of €17,467,470
The funding will support activities that strengthen cinema networks and improve the promotion and exhibition of European films across participating countries.
Supported Activities
Projects may include:
- Promotion of non-national European films
- Audience development initiatives
- Youth engagement programmes
- Collaborative cinema projects
- Cross-border partnerships
- Cultural events and screenings
- Knowledge-sharing activities
- Data collection and research
- Sustainability initiatives
- Inclusion and diversity measures
- Innovation in cinema programming
- Community outreach activities
Sustainability and Inclusion Requirements
Applications are expected to include strategies that support:
- Environmental sustainability
- Responsible cinema operations
- Gender equality
- Inclusion and accessibility
- Diversity and representation
- Audience diversification
- Long-term sector resilience
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants must be:
- Legal entities
- Public bodies
- Private bodies
Applicants must be established in:
- European Union Member States
- EEA countries participating in Creative Europe
- Countries associated with the Creative Europe Programme
Eligible Cinema Networks
A cinema network is defined as:
- A group of European independent cinemas
- Operating through a legally constituted coordinating entity
- Conducting joint activities related to screening and promoting European films
To be eligible, the network must:
- Represent at least 400 cinemas
- Operate across at least 20 countries participating in the MEDIA strand of Creative Europe
- Have a coordinating entity responsible for network management
- Operate a communication and information system connecting participating cinemas
Definition of a European Independent Cinema
A European independent cinema may be:
- A company
- An association
- An organization operating one or more cinema screens
The cinema must:
- Be located in a MEDIA strand participating country
- Have film exhibition as its principal activity or primary operational division
Expected Outcomes
The programme aims to achieve:
- Increased audiences for European films
- Greater circulation of non-national European works
- Stronger cinema networks
- Improved audience engagement
- Increased participation by young audiences
- Enhanced sector collaboration
- Greater sustainability in cinema operations
- Improved inclusion and diversity
- Stronger cultural exchange across Europe
Importance of the Programme
European cinemas play a vital role in supporting cultural diversity and ensuring audiences have access to a wide range of European audiovisual content.
Key benefits include:
- Strengthening independent cinema networks
- Supporting European film visibility
- Encouraging innovation in film exhibition
- Expanding audience reach
- Promoting cultural participation
- Supporting sustainable business models
- Enhancing collaboration across borders
- Building long-term resilience within the cinema sector
Application Tips
Strong applications typically demonstrate:
- Clear audience development strategies
- Strong plans for promoting European films
- Effective cross-border collaboration mechanisms
- Innovative audience engagement approaches
- Sustainability commitments
- Inclusion and diversity measures
- Strong communication systems
- Measurable outcomes and impact indicators
Common Application Mistakes
Applications may be weakened by:
- Weak audience development plans
- Limited collaboration among network members
- Insufficient promotion strategies
- Lack of sustainability measures
- Poor inclusion and diversity planning
- Weak communication structures
- Limited evidence of network capacity
- Unclear project objectives and outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Network of European Cinemas Support Programme?
- A funding programme that supports networks of European cinemas promoting non-national European films.
- An initiative designed to increase audiences and strengthen the circulation of European audiovisual works.
How much funding is available?
- The total programme budget is €17,467,470.
Who can apply?
- Eligible European cinema networks.
- Public or private legal entities established in Creative Europe participating countries.
What is the minimum network size required?
- At least 400 cinemas.
- Located across at least 20 participating countries.
What types of activities are supported?
- Film promotion.
- Audience development.
- Youth engagement.
- Cross-border collaboration.
- Sustainability and inclusion initiatives.
- Knowledge sharing and innovation activities.
What is a European independent cinema?
- A company, association, or organization operating one or more cinema screens.
- An entity where film exhibition is the principal activity.
- Located in a MEDIA strand participating country.
Does the programme support sustainability and inclusion initiatives?
- Yes.
- Applications should address environmental sustainability.
- Gender balance, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion are strongly encouraged.
Conclusion
The Network of European Cinemas Support Programme provides significant support for cinema networks working to promote European audiovisual works and strengthen audience engagement across Europe. With a budget of €17.47 million, the initiative encourages collaboration, innovation, sustainability, and cultural diversity while helping independent cinemas expand audiences, improve resilience, and enhance access to non-national European films.
For more information, visit Creative Europe Desk Ireland.
