Following the recovery of an additional €200 million for Italy’s Cinema and Audiovisual Fund for 2026–2027, Gianluca Curti, National President of CNA Cinema and Audiovisual, outlined the association’s position on the measure and on the next steps for the sector. Curti welcomed the restoration of resources, while stressing the need for clearer rules, a more precise definition of independent producers, and support mechanisms that better reflect the differences between independent SMEs and larger audiovisual groups.
Cinema, Curti (CNA Cinema and Audiovisual): Recovery of funding welcomed. Now clear rules and separate pathways for independent SMEs.
“We welcome the recovery of an additional €200 million for the Cinema and Audiovisual Fund for the 2026–2027 period. We thank the Government, Parliament and, in particular, Ministers Alessandro Giuli and Giancarlo Giorgetti, Undersecretary Lucia Borgonzoni and State Accountant General Daria Perrotta for listening to the sector’s concerns and for the work carried out,” said Gianluca Curti, National President of CNA Cinema and Audiovisual.
“As our Association has repeatedly called for, this measure gives companies greater certainty and security when planning their activities, helping to safeguard productions and employment. The recovery of these resources therefore represents an important signal for the entire sector.”
“It is now necessary to continue discussions with the institutions and the other most representative industry associations in order to make the support system increasingly effective, balanced and consistent with the characteristics of Italy’s production landscape. One of the key issues is redefining which entities can genuinely be classified as independent producers.”
“Independence,” Curti continued, “must be assessed according to substantive criteria, in line with the European approach: ownership structure, the degree of economic and industrial autonomy, dependence on audiovisual media service providers and ownership of secondary rights. It cannot, however, depend solely on the nationality or jurisdiction of the group that controls a company or to which it is affiliated. We should remember that funding for the sector is granted under exemptions from State aid rules and is intended to help independent companies strengthen their capital base.”
“Our position is in no way against large companies, multinational groups or non-independent producers, nor is it intended to deprive them of resources or opportunities. However, we believe it is necessary to recognise the differences between entities with profoundly different sizes, structures and financial capacities. Each should be able to follow its own path and compete within clear, fair and proportionate rules.”
“Genuinely independent producers and small and medium-sized enterprises must therefore be able to access instruments and pathways suited to their specific characteristics, separate from those intended for large companies and entities belonging to publishing or audiovisual groups, avoiding a situation in which profoundly different businesses are forced to compete in the same league.”
“CNA Cinema and Audiovisual will continue to contribute to the institutional dialogue so that the new rules safeguard pluralism, competition and cultural diversity, while also enabling independent SMEs to grow, invest and compete effectively.”
For CNA Cinema and Audiovisual, the restoration of funding is therefore only one part of the broader discussion surrounding the future of Italy’s support system. Gianluca Curti is calling for a framework that combines financial stability with clearer definitions, fairer access to support and distinct pathways for genuinely independent producers and SMEs, with the aim of protecting competition, pluralism and cultural diversity across the Italian audiovisual sector.
