More films in Frisian thanks to a new regional film fund

Preparations for the Frisian Film Fund are coming to an end. It is the second regional film fund in the Netherlands, after Limburg. The aim is that more Frisian films will be made.

It is special that a regional film fund has been established in the Netherlands, says Joris Hoebe from the Frisian film platform New Nordic Wave. Unlike Germany, for example, where each federal state has its own film fund, our country only has the Dutch and Limburg Film Fund.

Hoebe has been advocating a Frisian conversion for years. “In the last few years you saw that directors with a Frisian background wanted to make a film in Frisian,” he said. Omrop Fryslan. “But producers in Amsterdam and broadcasters in Hilversum shouted that there was no audience for it. “

Frisian filmmakers were angry because, according to them, too large a share of subsidies is given to cultural institutions in the Randstad. According to Hoebe, the Dutch Film Fund spends 80 to almost 95 percent of its budget in the Amsterdam area.

That trend is now changing, Hoebe notes. For example, earlier this year it was agreed to promote the Frisian language: the Ministry of the Interior will introduce one in the next five years 18 million euros in advance.

The goal of the film fund is primarily to release more Frisian films. It is not only about the Frisian language, it is necessary to focus more on the landscape and the cultural identity of the province, Hoebe believes. “More awareness has emerged about other languages ​​and regions. There is more room for other stories.”

Filmmakers wishing to receive a subsidy from the Frisian Film Fund must meet quality standards. The films should also be an economic stimulus for Friesland. “It’s always a short film. That’s a way to give a chance to new products and creators.”

The fund may receive between 3 and 5 tons per year, Hoebe expects. Actually, more is needed. “I think you need two million euros a year to do something. ” That money should come from the province, the government, investors and the Dutch Film Fund. “But that’s the long run.”