Conference Focuses on Future of Luxembourg Film Industry

As reported by Luxembourg's Ministry of Culture, the sectoral conference ("assises sectorielles") on audiovisual production took place at Ciné Starlight in Dudelange on Friday 20 September 2024.

This event brought together the main experts and professionals in the sector to discuss the challenges and future prospects of this "key industry for Luxembourg's culture and economy".

During his speech, Luxembourg's Minister for Culture, Eric Thill, welcomed the participants: "These conferences offer an opportunity to share experiences, foster dialogue and collectively reflect on ways to strengthen and perpetuate this essential cultural sector. I am convinced that the creativity and talent of our directors, producers, actors and technicians are valuable assets for the cultural influence of our country. The government will continue to support the development of the audiovisual sector through appropriate policies and funding, while creating future opportunities for young talents."

The minister also congratulated the professionals on their recent successes, winning awards at film festivals such as Cannes and Venice, and thus promoting the diversity and quality of the Luxembourg film industry.

The ministry noted that the Luxembourg audiovisual sector has experienced significant growth in recent years. A total of 789 films were produced between 2000 and 2023, from feature films and short films to TV series. This growth has been supported by a "solid" infrastructure, including 37 cinemas and a turnover of €69 million for the sector in 2022.

Philippe Robin, expert in culture and audiovisual statistics, highlighted that 51% of the population visited cinemas in the last twelve months, generating nearly a million admissions and thus demonstrating the importance of this cultural sector for the public.

A first roundtable explored the prospects for the sector by 2030. Key figures, such as Eileen Byrne, screenwriter and director, Guy Daleiden, Director of Film Fund Luxembourg, Donato Rotunno, director and producer, and Emmanuelle Vincent, animated film producer, debated the issues related to the international presence of Luxembourg productions and the evolution of formats. The "crucial" support of Film Fund Luxembourg, which financed 80% of the films produced in 2023, was highlighted as an "essential driver" for future expansion.

A second roundtable focused on issues concerning film professions. Pia Dumont, editor, Bernard Michaux, producer, Anne Schroeder, director, producer and coordinator of the BTS (advanced technician's certificate) in "Cinéma et Audiovisuel" at the Lycée des Arts et Métiers, and Luc Schiltz, actor, highlighted the training needs, the challenges faced by young professionals and the importance of cooperation with institutions that train the new generation in these technical and creative professions.

Minister Thill closed the event by reaffirming the government's commitment to supporting this booming sector: "Audiovisual production is not only an economic factor, but above all an essential pillar of our culture and identity. It shapes the way we perceive our world, tells our stories and reflects the diversity of our society. However, for this sector to continue to thrive and fulfill this cultural mission, it is crucial that we take care of those who bring it to life: audiovisual professionals. To guarantee a sustainable future for this industry, it is imperative that working conditions allow not only creativity and innovation, but also the well-being of the people who make it up."

In 2022, audiovisual production generated €136 million in wealth creation and directly and indirectly employed 1,300 people. Minister Thill also highlighted the need to strengthen international collaborations while consolidating Luxembourg's place as a key player in European audiovisual production.