Slovak FIlm Commission at the EFM in Berlin 2025
Slovak Film Commission at the EFM Film Market in Berlin: Supporting Film Production in Slovakia
The Slovak Film Commission (SFC) participated in the European Film Market (EFM), which took place as part of the 75th edition of the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale). EFM is one of the most significant events in the film industry, bringing together professionals from around the world – producers, distributors, festival curators, and representatives of film institutions. For the Slovak Film Commission, it was an opportunity to present the filming conditions in Slovakia and promote the country’s film production environment on an international level.
EFM: A Key Market for Film Production and Co-Productions
EFM is an important platform for film professionals seeking opportunities for co-productions, securing investments, or sharing expertise in film production. Dozens of countries participate each year, showcasing their film industries, co-production conditions, and financing options for film projects. Around 10,000 professionals from more than 70 countries attend, looking for new collaboration opportunities, including film project financing and locations suitable for filming.
The Benefit of the Visit for the Slovak Film Industry
The participation of the Slovak Film Commission at EFM is significant for the Slovak film industry, particularly in terms of supporting the filming conditions in Slovakia. At EFM, the SFC presented Slovakia as an attractive destination for film and television productions seeking co-production opportunities and filming locations in Central Europe. Slovakia offers filmmakers numerous advantages, such as experienced professionals, diverse landscapes, and locations. In addition, Slovakia is known for its 33% cash rebate on eligible production expenses, which supports film productions and projects.
The Slovak Film Commission actively presented various support mechanisms available for international productions, ranging from assistance in obtaining funding to helping with location scouting and finding technical partners in Slovakia.
Collaboration with International Partners
EFM provides an ideal environment for establishing contacts and building international partnerships. The Slovak Film Commission took this opportunity to meet with producers, film studios, and distributors from various countries, helping to raise awareness of Slovakia as a film destination. A key part of this process was also presenting the Slovak film market and its potential for international co-productions, which can be realized by utilizing Slovak locations, professionals, and supporting infrastructure.
Networking
Within the Central European Cinema space, Slovakia had the opportunity to present itself alongside Slovenia and the Czech Republic.
Zuzana Bieliková from the Slovak Film Commission met with Dr. Asta Vrečko, the Minister of Culture of Slovenia, and Nataša Bučar, the Director of the Slovenian Film Fund.
In addition to meetings at Gropius Bau and the EUFCN-European Film Commissions Network, Zuzana Bieliková also represented the Audiovisual Fund / Slovak Audiovisual Fund during the EFAD - European Film Agency Directors - aisbl meeting in Berlin, which took place on Monday. Thirty-five EFAD members gathered to discuss urgent challenges facing the European film industry. Key topics included the impact of AI on film production, sustainability in production, the reform of German film funding, and the implementation of financial commitments under the #AVMSD.
Film funds emphasized the importance of collaboration to support a thriving and inclusive European film industry.
