Support for Theatrical Film Distribution
The aid for the cinema distribution of films targets the cinema distribution of an approved film. The costs, beneficiaries and amount depend on the conditions described on this page and the funder’s rules. Point to watch: release costs, national release and the distributor’s track record. Check the CNC scale in force and the deadline calculated from the film’s release.
Do you have a project for distributing an approved film in cinemas? This page sets out the parameters of the aid for the cinema distribution of films based on the catalogue information: it supports the distribution of cinema works in France. Before ordering, signing a quote or starting works, check the official rules, the status of the scheme and the criteria applicable to your company. The presence of an aid in the catalogue does not guarantee that it is open or that a grant will be awarded.
Funded by Centre National du Cinéma (CNC)
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Who can apply
Distribution companies.
Eligibility conditions
Beneficiaries must: send their application with all the information needed to calculate the aid within 7 months of the cinema release date, after which it will no longer be admissible; have distributed at least 3 cinema works in the 24 months before the application (only works for which the distributor fully and exclusively bore the release costs and which were shown simultaneously in 5 cinemas on national release count); have no direct or indirect capital links with a TV channel, a telecoms group or a company established outside a European state; and be set up as a commercial company with fully paid-up share capital in cash of at least €15,000.
What the scheme covers
The aid concerns films: with French production investment of at least 30% of the film’s budget; first released exclusively during the year; in between 5 and 200 cinemas on national release; and with release costs of at least €45,000.
Amount and funding terms
A grant covering: up to 50% of release costs, capped at €61,000, for films with release costs between €45,000 and €150,000; up to 20% of release costs, capped at €30,000, for films with release costs above €150,000. This amount is reduced by 25% for approved films not originally in French.
How to apply
1. Check that the company, activity and project meet the scheme’s criteria. 2. Read the rules and identify the eligible costs and required supporting documents. 3. Confirm the opening and deadlines with the funder. 4. Where the scheme requires it, apply before any order, signature or start of work. 5. Keep quotes, invoices, proof of payment and proof of completion. The exact application procedure must be confirmed with the funder.
Timeline
No end date is recorded in the source catalogue. Check that applications are open and the deadline with the funder before any commitment.
Key facts
- Funder
- Centre National du Cinéma (CNC)
- Type of funding
- Grant
- Status
- Ongoing
- Maximum amount
- €61,000
- Automatically extracted — check the official source
- Funding rate
- 50%
- Automatically extracted — check the official source
- Geographic scope
- All of France
Frequently asked questions
Which films may be concerned?
The CNC targets in particular approved films on first exclusive release, with French investment of at least 30%, a national release in 5 to 200 cinemas and release costs of at least €45,000.
What contribution cap is provided?
The CNC’s official page indicates up to 50% of release costs, capped at €61,000, for the €45,000–€150,000 bracket, then up to 20%, capped at €30,000, above €150,000. Reductions may apply.
Who can apply?
Distribution companies must meet specific criteria, including a distribution track record and legal and professional conditions. The CNC page sets out these requirements; eligibility must be examined for each company.
What is the deadline for sending final costs?
The CNC page states that final costs and the balance application must be sent no later than seven months after release. The exact timetable must be calculated from the film’s release date.
Official source
No official URL is available in our data for this grant.
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