Göteborg Film Fund
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.
A new initiative to raise money for a residency
During Göteborg Film Festival 2025 a new initiative is being launched to promote artistic freedom. The goal is to raise money for residencies for filmmakers working under difficult circumstances in countries where artistic freedom and free speech are under pressure. The residencies will be subject for open calls and the selection process will be conducted by representatives from Göteborg Film Fund as well as international experts.
Would you like to support this matter?
We have launched a new product in our check-out so that you can contribute when purchasing your festival tickets. We have created the opportunity to round up at our checkout when purchasing your festival tickets by adding a "Support artistic freedom-product". It costs SEK 10, and you can decide how much you want to contribute by choosing the quantity. The money goes fully and directly to the fund. If you’re not buying tickets but still wish to contribute, you can use Swish: 123-087 99 24.
Contact
Camilla Larsson
Fund Manager
camilla.larsson@goteborgfilmfestival.se
info.fund@goteborgfilmfestival.se
application.fund@goteborgfilmfestival.se