Weimar Declaration published at KIDS Regio Forum 2019 – Towards a vital European Children's Film Culture
On June 27 and 28 2019 more than 80 experts from 24 countries active in the film industry and other areas came together at the 3rd KIDS Regio Forum 2019 in Weimar, Germany. They discussed key topics such as development, production, distribution, access across borders and the marketing as well as positive image building for children's film as cultural asset.
Within an interactive and interdisciplinary conference design, demands were developed to impact regional, national and European film policy. The results of the conference found their way into the Weimar Declaration, calling for a diverse European children's film landscape with a united voice. The participants of the 3rd KIDS Regio Forum agree on an agenda of 5 points, aiming at strengthening live action feature films for children. Focus areas are the improvement of research and data, an emphasis on cooperation, networks and lobbying, the strengthening of (co-) development and (co-) production, the reinforcement of distribution and marketing as well as the enhancement of education and access.
They demand the implementation of Project 15+. By stating that 15 % of the European population is children at least 15 % of the funding budget, screen time and curriculum in film schools are to be dedicated to children's film. The industry experts plea for film education as an essential service with the same status as any intellectual subject in schools, universities and training. Highlighting the importance of comparable data and mapping, the participants demand regular studies and the provision of information for all areas of children's film. They also stressed the importance of strategic infrastructures linking (co-) development programmes with coproduction and training in order to develop children's film on a (trans-) regional and national level. Furthermore, marketing measures for live-action feature films should be supported already in the development phase including new and experimental ways to reach the young audience. To enhance lobbying towards policy makers KIDS Regio will build even stronger strategic partnerships with ECFA (European Children's Film Association) and allies from outside the children's media industry.
The declaration is addressed to regional, national and European politicians, stakeholders and policy officers as well as associations and institutions connected to the film industry to do all in their power to actively support European Children's Film.
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