Germany Passes New Film Funding Law with Increased Support but Faces Criticism Over Diversity Cuts

The updated legislation boosts film production funding to 30% but removes key diversity and sustainability measures, drawing backlash from filmmakers and activists.

The Bundestag approved a revised Film Funding Act (FFG), ensuring continued financial support for German film production and raising federal funding to 30% of production costs starting February 2025.
The reform is seen as a significant step to revive Germany's film industry, which has struggled to compete internationally due to insufficient funding and production incentives.
Critics have condemned the removal of the proposed Diversity Council, which was intended to promote inclusion and equal opportunities in the German film sector.
Activists and filmmakers argue that the exclusion of diversity and sustainability measures is a missed opportunity, potentially harming marginalized groups and the industry's global competitiveness.
Industry leaders welcome the increased funding but caution that capped federal budgets could limit long-term growth and call for further reforms, including tax incentives and investment commitments from streaming platforms.