Independent Argentine filmmakers denounce law

The independent Argentine film community denounced that the recent regulation of the Film Law decreed by the Government of Javier Milei to promote the activity, in reality, removes funds from the industry and eliminates the screen quota for national films in theaters.

“This decree goes against the funds allocated for the production of films and against a very important right for the entire society, such as having a screen quota that allows Argentine films to have exhibition space in theaters throughout the country,” indicated the Collective of Filmmakers in a statement.

The decree, published on July 23 in the Official Gazette, established a restructuring of the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts (INCAA) by which the workforce, the delivery of subsidies and the space for national productions will be reduced.

The new parameters to receive state assistance will depend on projects presented under a complete accredited production and financing plan, where the subsidy cannot exceed 20% of the funds and cannot represent more than 50% of the costs.

According to the official document, Incaa went from having 90 people in 2000 to 900 workers this year, which led to 42% of income being allocated to salaries.