In order to strengthen the development and promotion of European audio visual art, in January 1991, the EU launched Programme MEDIA.

BiH became a Programme MEDIA member in June, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding opening funding opportunities for BiH audio-visual artists. At the start of 2012, the European Commission announced that applicants from BiH could submit project proposals. As a result of this, one of the most important European festivals promoting film art – the Sarajevo Film Festival – received European Commission funding through Programme MEDIA.

In addition, four further projects from BiH have been approved so far and, by the end of the year, several more projects are expected to receive funding.

Programme MEDIA supports film projects and audiovisual arts in order to strengthen the development and quality of European audio visual forms by focusing on European cultural identity and heritage, increasing the flow of European work in Europe and beyond. It also aims to better promote European film, facilitating networking and co-operation and, therefore, easier access to funding and support for the development and use of digital technologies.

In applying for Programme MEDIA funds, applicants can be producers, distributors, sales agents, film schools, training centres, film festivals, film markets, movie theatres and others.

More information about Programme MEDIA and the application procedure can be found at: http://ec.europa.eu/culture/media/about/index_en.htm

Apart from the MEDIA Programme, the EU supports the development of audiovisual arts in third world countries through the MEDIA MUNDUS programme.

More information on the future funding of the audio visual arts in the EU through the Creative Europe Programme, which will replace the MEDIA Programme from 2014 – 2020, can be found at: http://ec.europa.eu/culture/media/creative-europe/index_en.htm