Styria film industry faces funding shortfall despite economic returns

Film production in Styria generates significant regional economic value, but the industry is struggling with a shortage of subsidies, ORF reported after the 18th Austrian Film Industry Symposium.

A study presented at the symposium found that every euro invested in film subsidies generates nearly 2.8 times that amount in regional value added. Study author Michael Paul said production also creates jobs and income in Styria.

Barbara Rosanelli of Film Commission Graz said funding was scarcer than ever and a budget freeze had left her unable to pay filmmakers as much as she wanted. Politicians at the symposium pledged to address the issue.

Styria’s culture councillor, Karlheinz Kornhäusl of the ÖVP, said there are currently two funding approaches, one through culture and one through tourism. Participants discussed whether those approaches should be reconsidered and expanded.

Graz will host the 40th Mountainfilm Festival in November. ORF Styria’s Günter Schillhan said a documentary would look at the festival’s history and previous winning films, as well as what drives people to climb the world’s highest peaks. The programme, titled “That gives me mountains – 40 years of Mountainfilm Graz”, is due to air on ORF 2 this Sunday at 18:25.