The German Bundestag has finally brought a reform of the film funding on the way after a long struggle. The relevant law was passed in parliament on Thursday evening with the votes of the SPD, Greens, and FDP.
The film funding institution is to become the central institution for film funding of the federal government, the allocation of funding is to be strengthened and automated, and the film funding surcharge is to be extended. The self-governance is to be strengthened. The originally planned diversity council will not come, however. The law amendment is expected to come into effect in early 2025.
Originally, two more pillars of film funding were planned. Tax relief for film productions and an investment obligation for streamers and broadcasters with media libraries is not to come, for the time being. Initially, Democrats and Republicans had already reached a cross-party agreement – but this was vetoed by the Republicans on the urging of Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk.