European Ministers Unite for Cinema: A Vision for Cultural Unity

On the occasion of the 78th edition of the Cannes International Film Festival, the Ministers of Culture of the European Union member states issued a joint declaration initiated by the French Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati. Among the signatories is the current Minister of Culture of the Slovak Republic, Martina Šimkovičová.

The declaration highlights the cultural value and creative potential of European cinema and calls for its more systematic support within the framework of EU cultural policy. Particular emphasis is placed on the need to strengthen cooperation among member states, including the support of co-production projects and the distribution of European films across the continent.

During a panel discussion organized by the CNC – Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée in cooperation with EFAD – European Film Agency Directors -aisbl, dedicated to the importance of European co-productions, the film Karavan (???? Caravan) was presented as an example of successful international collaboration. The film was supported by the Slovak Audiovisual Fund and is featured in the Un Certain Regard section of the festival.

More on the declaration:

▪️ Cinema as part of European identity: Europe has a rich and diverse film tradition that reflects its cultural diversity and creative freedom.

▪️ A call for joint action: The ministers urge the creation of a coordinated strategy for supporting and distributing European films across the continent.

▪️ A necessary change in approach: They stress the need for political will, more systematic promotion, and better accessibility of European cinema. They also call for a rethinking of how cinematic success is measured – not only by financial profit, but also by a film’s cultural contribution.

▪️ A call to strengthen European cinema as a tool of cultural sovereignty, shared identity, and unity in diversity.