COVID-19 Measures for film sector in Lithuania

o reduce the negative consequences for artists, culture professionals and cultural organisations due to the declared state-level emergency and quarantine, the Lithuanian Parliament approved financial support to artists, culture professionals and cultural organisations impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The film sector received 3.4 mln EUR for national film development, production and distribution, to compensate for the losses incurred due to closed cinema halls and film culture events in Lithuania. LFC will also provide additional funding for film projects already in production.

On 21 April it decided to extend the current session and postpone the deadline until 18 May 2020 with extra funds. Feature film projects will be supported with 1200 000 EUR; documentary projects will receive 650 000 EUR; animation and interactive film projects will receive 450 000 EUR.

LFC also plans to expand the support scheme for film distribution. Support for European film distribution both in cinemas and on online platforms is under consideration.

An additional contest for individual grants will be announced in May 2020.