Zurich Citizens' Initiative for Modern Film Funding Submitted
Just under six months after its launch, the association «Zürich für den Film» and the Swiss Game Developers Association (SGDA) submitted their popular initiative on Wednesday calling for a modern film funding program in the canton of Zurich.
About 9,000 signatures were collected. A total of 6,000 signatures are required for the initiative to proceed. According to a statement from the initiators, the fact that this minimum requirement has been far exceeded clearly demonstrates that there is broad public support for film and media production. The initiative calls for the legal enshrinement of support for film, gaming, and interactive media art in the Canton of Zurich. In the initiators’ view, film and media funding in the canton is no longer up to date. They argue that the current patchwork of various funding programs must be consolidated to better reflect the diversity and innovative power of individual works.
A Film and Media Promotion Act would provide a solid legal foundation for the promotion of innovative and culturally relevant film and interactive media works. This would ensure the continuity of existing film funding while paving the way for new artistic formats of the digital age. According to the initiators, the canton of Zurich is not only Switzerland’s film and media center but also a hub of innovation in digital culture. About two-thirds of all audiovisual works in Switzerland are developed and produced by Zurich-based film and media professionals. The initiative committee, which enjoys broad political support, includes, among others, National Council members Doris Fiala (FDP) and Kathy Riklin (CVP), as well as Council of States member Daniel Jositsch (SP). (SDA)
