• The agreement seeks to foster professional cooperation and promote the circulation of co-produced films.
• Projects that subscribe to the agreement will have dual nationality, allowing them to qualify for benefits and economic support in both Chile and Belgium. Additionally, they will be able to travel between the two countries with fewer difficulties.
Review the details and requirements of the agreement
Seeking to strengthen artistic and production ties in the audiovisual sector between Chile and the Walloon-Brussels Federation of Belgium, representatives of that territory in Chile have been carrying out a series of actions to promote this agreement. This initiative is part of an ongoing dialogue with new strategic partners in both countries, driven by the belief that collaboration is key to the development of film and documentary.
Since 2021, various actions have helped bring this agreement closer to industry stakeholders, including virtual meetings with Chilean agents to ensure nationwide access to information, in-person gatherings in Santiago, and presentations at key industry events.
Why is this agreement a key opportunity?
• Financial support for the co-production of feature and short fiction or animated films, documentaries, and documentary series.
• Access to resources in both territories, expanding financing opportunities with other international co-producers.
• Greater visibility in the European market, facilitating the distribution and promotion of works.
• Tax benefits through the Tax-Shelter mechanism, an advantage for the Belgian production companies involved.
The Representation of Wallonia-Brussels in Chile has been actively present at the country’s main audiovisual markets, promoting this agreement. “The Chilean audiovisual industry has demonstrated its dynamism and talent, and this agreement provides concrete tools for its continued expansion and for reaching new audiences. The political will and commitment of the sector make this initiative a strong bridge toward new opportunities for co-production and funding,” states Emmanuelle Dienga, Economic and Trade Counselor at the Embassy of Belgium.
Additionally, Dienga adds: “In 2024, we are strengthening our presence at SANFIC Industria and Conecta, and this year there will be meetings between both countries at the Marché du Film in Cannes and Sunny Side of the Doc. We are also reinforcing dialogue with key institutions such as Chiledoc and the Chilean Documentary Corporation (CCDOC).”
“The relationship with the Embassy of Belgium and representatives of the Wallonia-Brussels region in Chile, as well as with the Cinema and Audiovisual Centre in Belgium, has been tremendously fruitful in showcasing the benefits both countries offer for co-production. We are working together to foster new partnerships between companies from both countries, thereby expanding the reach and audiences for documentary productions,”says Paula Ossandón, director of Chiledoc.
“In addition to showcasing the opportunities offered by the agreement, we are organizing a bilateral meeting between production companies as part of a major international industry event, such as Sunny Side of the Doc,” emphasizes Ossandón.
Some requirements you must meet before submitting your application:
1. Have a Belgian Co-Producer: To submit your project as a minority co-production, you must have a co-producer in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. This co-producer must be an independent production company registered in Belgium. Your Belgian co-producer will be responsible for submitting the project to the Film Commission.
2. Project Within the Framework of a Co-Production Agreement (Bilateral or Multilateral): Projects initiated in a foreign country must be produced under an official international co-production agreement.
3. Submit the Project in French: The script must be submitted in French, even if the film is shot in another language.
4. Have a Confirmed Percentage of Financing: At the project submission stage, a minimum financing threshold must be secured. For feature films (fiction, animation, or documentary), 40% of the financing must be confirmed (excluding the producer’s contribution). For short films, the required confirmed financing is 30%.
5. Meet the Evaluation Criteria (Cultural): Keep in mind that your project will be evaluated based on cultural criteria, including the cultural content and artistic and technical details of the project, the cultural value it brings to the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, the alignment between the requested amount and the artistic project, and the relevance of the submission dossier, including the film’s budget and financing plan.
6. Spend the Funds in Belgium: The granted amount must be spent in Belgium, primarily in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation region.
7. Provide a Subtitled Copy of the Film if Not in French: A subtitled copy must be provided if the film is not shot in French.
For those interested in exploring these opportunities, the Representation of Wallonia-Brussels in Chile is available to facilitate contact with the Cinema and Audiovisual Centre in Belgium, as well as with key industry stakeholders in a sector that, like Chilean cinema, has demonstrated its talent, resilience, and international reach.
The co-production agreement between Chile and Wallonia-Brussels is part of the existing agreements with other countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, France, Italy, Canada, Germany, and Spain.
Contact and information
International co-production: Isabelle Hanssen Isabelle.hanssen@cfwb.be
Cinema and Audiovisual Centre
Co-production support
internacional@chiledoc.cl
@copyright Corporación Chilena del Documental CCDoc
