Deadline: 16-Jul-2026
The Creative Europe Desk Ireland is accepting applications for funding to support the wider distribution of recent non-national European films. The programme aims to strengthen the international circulation of European audiovisual works by supporting promotion, marketing, and distribution activities across multiple participating countries.
The initiative seeks to increase audiences for European films both in cinemas and through digital platforms while encouraging coordinated distribution strategies, accessibility measures, and cross-border collaboration within the European audiovisual sector.
About the Programme
The programme supports the international sales and distribution of recent non-national European films. It is designed to help European works reach wider audiences beyond their country of origin through strategic promotion and distribution activities.
Funding is available to European sales agents that play a key role in marketing and licensing films across international territories. The programme supports efforts to improve the visibility, accessibility, and commercial performance of European audiovisual content.
Focus Areas
The programme supports:
- International sales of European films
- Cross-border distribution activities
- Cinema distribution
- Online and digital distribution
- Film promotion and marketing
- Audience development
- Coordinated multi-country distribution strategies
- Subtitling of films
- Dubbing activities
- Audio description services
- Wider circulation of non-national European works
Purpose of the Programme
The programme aims to:
- Increase the international circulation of European films
- Strengthen the competitiveness of the European audiovisual sector
- Expand audiences for non-national European works
- Encourage cooperation across multiple countries
- Improve access to European films through accessibility tools
- Support innovative distribution strategies
- Promote cultural diversity through audiovisual content
Funding Information
Funding details include:
- Estimated total budget of EUR 21 million
- Budget-based grant mechanism
- Reimbursement of up to 90% of eligible costs
- No maximum grant amount per project specified
Budget allocation includes:
- 40% of the total budget allocated to the first cut-off date
- 60% of the total budget allocated to the second cut-off date
Additional funding rule:
- A maximum of 40% of the overall budget will be allocated to films with production budgets exceeding EUR 15 million
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be:
- Legal entities
- Public or private organizations
- Established in a country participating in the MEDIA strand of the Creative Europe Programme
Eligible countries include:
- European Union Member States
- Overseas countries and territories linked to EU Member States
- Listed EEA countries
- Countries associated with the Creative Europe Programme
Applicant Requirements
Applicants must be:
- European sales agents
- Intermediary agents acting on behalf of producers
- Organizations specializing in the commercial exploitation of films
- Entities engaged in film marketing and licensing activities in foreign territories
Applicants must also:
- Be directly appointed by the producer through an international sales agreement
- Hold the right to sell the submitted film in at least 15 countries participating in the MEDIA strand
- Be directly or indirectly owned, wholly or by majority participation, by nationals of participating countries
Eligible Activities
Supported activities may include:
- International film marketing campaigns
- Distribution planning and implementation
- Promotional activities across participating countries
- Licensing and sales activities
- Audience outreach initiatives
- Accessibility measures such as subtitling
- Dubbing services
- Audio description services
- Multi-territory distribution strategies
Importance of the Programme
The programme plays an important role in strengthening the international presence of European films and expanding access to diverse cultural content.
Key benefits include:
- Increased visibility for European films
- Expanded international audience reach
- Support for film exports
- Greater accessibility through language and accessibility tools
- Stronger collaboration between film industry stakeholders
- Promotion of cultural diversity across Europe
- Enhanced commercial opportunities for European productions
Application Tips
Strong applications typically demonstrate:
- A clear international distribution strategy
- Strong marketing and promotion plans
- Potential to reach audiences across multiple territories
- Experience in international film sales
- Effective use of accessibility tools
- Strong partnerships and distribution networks
- Clear commercial and audience development objectives
Common Application Mistakes
Applications may be weakened by:
- Limited international distribution plans
- Weak audience development strategies
- Insufficient evidence of sales agent experience
- Incomplete sales agreements
- Limited territorial coverage
- Unclear promotion activities
- Failure to demonstrate eligibility requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this programme?
- To support the international sales, promotion, and distribution of recent non-national European films.
- To increase audience access to European audiovisual works across participating countries.
How much funding is available?
- The total estimated budget is EUR 21 million.
- Eligible costs may be reimbursed at a rate of up to 90%.
- There is no specified maximum grant amount per project.
Who can apply?
- European sales agents.
- Public or private legal entities established in countries participating in the MEDIA strand of the Creative Europe Programme.
What types of activities are supported?
- Film promotion and marketing.
- International distribution activities.
- Cinema and online distribution.
- Subtitling, dubbing, and audio description.
- Multi-country audience development initiatives.
What is a European sales agent?
- An intermediary acting on behalf of producers.
- An organization specializing in the commercial exploitation of films through marketing and licensing in foreign territories.
What territorial rights must applicants have?
- Applicants must hold the right to sell the submitted film in at least 15 countries participating in the MEDIA strand.
What percentage of eligible costs can be funded?
- Up to 90% of eligible project costs.
Conclusion
The Creative Europe funding programme provides significant support for European sales agents seeking to expand the international reach of non-national European films. With a total budget of EUR 21 million and funding covering up to 90% of eligible costs, the initiative promotes cross-border distribution, audience development, accessibility, and the wider circulation of European audiovisual works across participating countries.
For more information, visit Creative Europe Desk Ireland.
