Swiss government budgets millions for cinema

The Federal Council wants to spend around CHF943 million ($937 million) on culture over a four-year period. The lion’s share is earmarked for cinema. On Wednesday the council, Switzerland’s executive branch, announced its planned culture budget for 2021-2024. One area of focus is digital change, which concerns all areas and institutions – in particular, the film industry, which is affected by the increase in online platforms. For this reason, the Swiss government wants to improve access to Swiss film heritage. The proposed budget, which will go to parliament for consultation, includes CHF211 million for Swiss cinema. Another CHF181 million is to go to Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, and CHF147 million is budgeted for promoting culture. “The promotion of culture is important for Switzerland,” Interior Minister Alain Berset said at a press conference in Bern. Another CHF135 million is earmarked for the various branches of the Swiss National Museum, an increase over previous ...