– The Austrian Film Institute has welcomed the government’s commitment to preserving selective film funding levels; discussions continue over a proposed levy and investment obligations for streamers
Austrian Film Institute (ÖFI) director Roland Teichmann (© Nadine Poncioni)
Austria has reaffirmed its support for the national film sector through the adoption of its 2027-28 federal budget, securing annual funding of €37 million for the Austrian Film Institute (ÖFI) and ensuring continuity for the country’s selective theatrical film support schemes over the next two years.
The decision comes amid broader public spending restraints affecting several cultural sectors, with the government implementing cost-saving measures across museums, heritage institutions and cultural infrastructure projects. Against this backdrop, the maintenance of film funding at current levels has been widely interpreted as a strong signal of confidence in Austria’s audiovisual industry.
According to the budget approved by the federal government, the ÖFI will continue to receive €37 million annually in both 2027 and 2028, allowing it to maintain its strategic focus on culturally driven film funding. The institute noted that the stable allocation will support projects with artistic and cultural relevance while also fostering productions capable of reaching national and international audiences, and generating economic impact.
Commenting on the announcement, ÖFI director Roland Teichmann described the budget as an important commitment to the Austrian film industry during a challenging economic period. “This budgetary stability enables the Austrian Film Institute to continue fulfilling its core tasks: supporting projects that shape identity, are culturally and artistically relevant, appeal to both national and international audiences, and generate the greatest possible economic effects,” Teichmann stated.
At the same time, Teichmann emphasised the importance of ongoing negotiations regarding the introduction of a market-based financing model combining a levy and investment obligation for streaming services. The proposed mechanism is intended to establish a sustainable source of financing for automatic film support, and strengthen Austria’s international competitiveness as a production and filmmaking hub.
The discussion has gained momentum in recent months, with industry representatives and creators calling for streaming platforms to contribute directly to the domestic audiovisual ecosystem. Proposals currently under consideration include a hybrid model combining a solidarity levy with direct investment obligations in Austrian productions.
