Berlin’s European Film Market Selects Spain as 2025 Country in Focus

As a film enthusiast with over three decades of immersion in the cinematic universe, I must say that Spain’s recognition as the Country in Focus for the upcoming European Film Market at Berlinale is nothing short of delightful news!


At the 75th Berlinale, Spain will be highlighted as the spotlight country during the European Film Market, which takes place from February 13th to the 19th.

Based on reports from film market organizers, Spain stands out as an energetic and robust European filming destination due to its abundance of talented filmmakers. This, coupled with a rich history of acclaimed films in various festivals such as the EFM, Berlinale, and their industry programs, gives Spain an international allure.

EFM has decided to spotlight Spain as the next in a series of acknowledgements for this Southern European nation. This country graced the role of ‘Country of Honor’ at the Marche du Film event earlier this summer, and will also hold that position at Mipcom 2024 later on this month. Previously, it was the focus territory during Locarno’s Open Doors segment in the summer.

For years, Spanish cinema has significantly contributed to the Berlinale lineup,” Festival Director Tricia Tuttle expressed in a statement. “Countless Spanish productions, crafted by remarkable and celebrated artists, have captivated both audiences and judges, with nine films earning the festival’s top honor, the Golden Bear for Best Film… We eagerly anticipate honoring the Spanish film industry during the forthcoming European Film Market.

Previous Spanish winners of the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival include “Alcarràs” by Carla Simón (2022), “The Milk of Sorrow” by Claudia Llosa (2009), “La colmena” by Mario Camus (1983), and “Deprisa, deprisa” by Carlos Saura (1981). In the Berlinale’s Panorama section, Pedro Almodóvar’s “La Ley del Deseo” was awarded the first-ever Teddy Award in 1987.

One significant reasons why Spain was chosen by the EFM is its dedication to eco-friendly filmmaking methods and continuous progress in digitizing its cinema industry. What particularly catches the attention of EFM attendees are Spain’s attractive tax incentives and grants, making it a noteworthy country to watch at any European market and an highly sought-after destination for co-productions.

Tanja Meissner, Berlinale Pro’s Director, stated: “The Spanish film and media sector has solidified its status as a European heavyweight by showcasing creative brilliance, strategic investments, and technological advancements. This has earned it global recognition. The country boasts a significant international presence with top-tier content that is unique and original. Spain’s competitive tax incentives, co-production agreements, and robust industry infrastructure make it an attractive destination for investors.

Ernest Urtasun, Spain’s Minister of Culture, stated: “The European Film Market undeniably stands as a potent showcase for European cinematography. By highlighting Spain as ‘Country in Focus,’ we can shine a light on the immense talent of our film industry across various domains – creation, production, distribution, and global promotion of our cinema. This is the mission and source of pride for our Ministry of Culture: to bolster and disseminate knowledge about our film sector, our creators, enabling Spanish cinema to persistently thrive in international markets and captivate audiences worldwide.

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2024-10-08 14:46