Artistic freedom and free speech

Göteborg Film Fund aims to strengthen the film industry in countries or regions with an interesting cinema on a high artistic level, but with different economic or political challenges and preconditions. Thus contributing to a diversified culture and media landscape, with increased artistic freedom and free speech.  

In 2021, the fund supported filmmakers in Brazil, Sudan, Ukraine, and Kurdish regions spanning Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Syria, with pilot financing from the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, during the government’s “drive for” democracy. Over 1100 applications (800 from Brazil only) were submitted. During the year the fund distributed SEK 4 000 0000 (≈ € 400 000) to 36 different projects. 

Since 2022, and the full scale invasion of Ukraine, the activities of Göteborg Film Fund has focused on Ukraine's film industry, with funding schemes including development support, support for filmmakers active within the country, as well as international dissemination and launching of urgent and independent Ukrainian films. All financed by The Swedish Postcode Foundation – within the frame of their focus on artistic freedom – and by the Swedish Institute and their emergency support for Ukraine. Another important part has been residencies in Göteborg during the summers of 2022, 2023 and 2024, financed by Region Västra Götaland, in cooperation with the University of Gothenburg and Företagsbostäder.