The Cultural Department of the Principality of Asturias has awarded €500,000 in grants to 40 projects within the film and audiovisual sector. This funding, announced in the Official Bulletin of the Principality of Asturias (BOPA), is part of the first of two funding rounds for this year, with the second round, launched on 14 September and also worth €500,000, currently under evaluation.
With these two funding streams, the Asturian government is committing a total of €1 million to the sector in 2026, a significant increase from the €100,000 available in 2022. This 900% rise over four years underscores the growing significance of the audiovisual industry, which merges cultural creation, business activity, and specialised employment, supported by a network of professionals and companies capable of developing their own projects and attracting new productions.
Support for various stages of production
The grants awarded in this first round are designed to assist professionals at different stages of their work, from initial ideas and scriptwriting to filming, post-production, and the presentation of works at festivals and markets. The aim is to facilitate the advancement of projects, enabling them to reach audiences and establish a foothold within the industry.
Of the €500,000 allocated, €312,508.76 is directed towards 21 initiatives related to film production, including filming, post-production, and distribution of audiovisual works, as well as participation in fairs, exhibitions, and festivals. The remaining €187,491.24 funds 19 projects focused on scriptwriting and the development of audiovisual proposals, encompassing feature films, short films, and other formats. These grants are crucial for nurturing ideas during the early stages of creation, when time, resources, and preparation are essential before a project can move into production.
Future funding opportunities
The second round of grants, announced on 14 September and currently being assessed, targets self-employed professionals, micro-enterprises, and small to medium-sized companies in the film and audiovisual industry. This €500,000 allocation will finance projects in pre-production, production, recording, post-production, and dissemination of various products, including short films, feature films, documentaries, series, and other digital content. It also includes support for laboratories and incubators, spaces where ideas can mature before advancing to production.
Grants can reach up to €15,000 for short films, €45,000 for medium-length films, €60,000 for feature films, €80,000 for laboratories and incubators, and €200,000 for series and large projects, although funding cannot exceed 70% of the budget for each proposal.
Increased investment in cinema
The total of €1 million allocated this year represents a significant shift in the Asturian government's support for the film industry. The first round has already enabled funding for 40 projects, while the second round continues its processing, further expanding the scope of this financial support.
This financial commitment is complemented by additional support mechanisms for the sector, such as Film LAB LaC6, which offers assistance in project development, and the Asturias Paraíso Natural Film Commission, which promotes Asturias as a filming location and facilitates the work of production companies choosing the region. The regional government aims to provide more opportunities for those working in film and audiovisual sectors to develop their projects locally, ensuring that businesses can sustain their activities and that new productions find a welcoming environment in Asturias.
The Cultural Department views this cultural industry as a vital sector capable of telling local stories, creating jobs, and continuing to grow from within the region.
