Fostering Regional Advancement and Market Expansion of Audiovisual SMEs in the South Adriatic

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Italy Albania Montenegro (South Adriatic)

Date of latest update: 2026-04-02

Description

Description (EN):

The audiovisual industry is a complex and multifaceted ecosystem that includes various stakeholders, such as producers, directors, actors and distributors. Despite the significant contributions to the entertainment sector, South Adriatic film SMEs face numerous challenges that threaten their sustainability, including issues with international competitiveness and access to resources. Building on the established networks and insights of the Flagship project CIRCE, FRAME aims to support the South Adriatic film industry by enhancing cooperation, innovation, and competitiveness among film SMEs. Following a comprehensive mapping activity aimed at cataloging film SMEs and analyzing their operations in the Programme area, FRAME will establish the Network of the South Adriatic Audiovisual SMEs, enabling connections, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. Leveraging this groundwork, another key output is the South Adriatic Co-development Film Fund, which will support at least 8 joint audiovisual co-productions between EU and IPA film producers, aiming to create high-quality films in collaboration capable of competing internationally. B2Bs, Balkan Film Market, and film forums will support the partnership and pitching phases of the activity. The trilateral pilot fund represents a new solution, marking the project's originality by introducing a completely new instrument that fosters cross-border collaboration. Another component of FRAME includes an itinerant screenwriting workshop across Albania, Montenegro, Molise, and Puglia, designed to enhance the skills and competencies of 10 rising screenwriters. The final beneficiaries of these outputs are film SMEs, industry professionals, local communities, and the broader film market. SMEs, in particular, will gain enhanced skills, increased visibility, and better access to international partnerships. The project will create a collaborative environment for them to thrive, resulting in a stronger, globally competitive film industry.

Expected Achievements (EN):

The specific objective is to establish the South Adriatic Audiovisual SMEs Network, effectively enhancing regional collaboration and market integration for audiovisual SMEs across Albania, Montenegro, Molise and Puglia. The specific objective is to support the creation of joint audiovisual co-productions between EU and IPA film producers through the IPA South Adriatic Co-development Film Fund, which will select and fund at least 8 co-development film projects.

Project outputs: IPA South Adriatic Co-development Film Fund(EN)

Thematic information

Cultural heritage and arts SME and entrepreneurship Community integration and common identity

Priority: (VI-A_SA(I-A-M)_PA 1) A smarter South Adriatic programme area, by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation

Priority specific objective: RSO1.3. Enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO1 A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity

Type of intervention: 027 Innovation processes in SMEs (process, organisational, marketing, co-creation, user and demand driven innovation)

Partners (4)

Lead Partner: Fondazione Apulia Film Commission

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 926879136

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 06631230726 | 93332290720 | email@pec.apuliafilmcommission.it (EN)

Address: Fiera del Levante - Lungomare Starita, 70132 Bari, Italy

Department address: Fiera del Levante - Lungomare Starita, 70132 Bari, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Other

Website: http://www.apuliafilmcommission.it

Total budget: EUR 345 015.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 276 012.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 69 003.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Fondazione Molise Cultura

Name: Fondazione Molise Cultura

Department: European Department

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 909394595

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 01720470705 | 01720470705 | fondazionecultura@cert.regione.molise.it (EN)

Address: Via Milano, 86100 Campobasso, Italy

Department address: Via Milano, 86100 Campobasso, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.fondazionecultura.eu

Total budget: EUR 120 396.76

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 96 317.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 24 079.36

Contractors:

Name: Moliday di Ziccardi Carla
VAT registration or tax identification number: 01592410706

Qendra Kombëtare e Kinematografisë

Name: Qendra Kombëtare e Kinematografisë

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 926947230

Partner’s ID if not PIC: K51726026A | K51726026A | info@qkk.gov.al (EN)

Address: Rr. Aleksander Moisi, Kinostudio, Tirane, 1012 Tirane, Albania

Department address: Rr. Aleksander Moisi, Kinostudio, Tirane, 1012 Tirane, Albania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: http://www.qkk.al

Total budget: EUR 198 336.60

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 168 586.11

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 29 750.49

Filmski centar Crne Gore

Name: Filmski centar Crne Gore

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 902611288

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 03129764 | 03129764 | info@fccg.me (EN)

Address: Bulevar Džordža Vašingtona, 81000 Podgorica , Montenegro

Department address: Bulevar Džordža Vašingtona, 81000 Podgorica , Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: http://www.fccg.me

Total budget: EUR 201 341.70

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 171 140.44

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 30 201.26

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Molise Cultura Foundation

Fostering Regional Advancement and Market Expansion of Audiovisual SMEs in the South Adriatic

Partners and Projects info

Albanian National Centre of Cinematography

Fostering Regional Advancement and Market Expansion of Audiovisual SMEs in the South Adriatic

Partners and Projects info

Film Centre of Montenegro

Fostering Regional Advancement and Market Expansion of Audiovisual SMEs in the South Adriatic

Partners and Projects info

Fondazione Apulia Film Commission

Fostering Regional Advancement and Market Expansion of Audiovisual SMEs in the South Adriatic

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Fostering Regional Advancement and Market Expansion of Audiovisual SMEs in the South Adriatic

Project acronym: FRAME

Project ID: SA-0300527

Project start date: 2025-07-01

Project end date: 2027-12-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Interreg CIRCE "Common Initiatives to pRomote CinEma across Italy – Albania - Montenegro" funded by Interreg IPA CBC Italy-Albania-Montenegro Programme 2014/2020 (EN) | Building on the legacy of the CIRCE project, which was recognized as a Flagship Project by the Italian Territorial Cohesion Agency and led by the Apulia Film Commission, FRAME leverages established partnerships, collaborations and networks. Additionally, FRAME aims to elevate the joint web series of nine episodes by young directors coordinated by project partners within CIRCE. FRAME will develop a trilateral co-development film fund, marking the first initiative of its kind in the history of Italy, Albania, and Montenegro. This fund will leverage the valuable experience gained from the CIRCE project as a critical stepping stone to facilitate this significant advancement. (EN), Interreg CIRCE PLUS "Common Initiatives to pRomote CinEma across Italy – Albania - Montenegro" funded by Interreg IPA CBC Italy-Albania-Montenegro Programme 2014/2020 (EN) | Building on the successful initiatives of CIRCE PLUS, FRAME will capitalize on the community and network established through B2Bs and workshops. Specifically, the Film Centre of Montenegro (PP2) and the Albanian National Cinematography Centre will leverage the expertise gained from organizing their workshop and B2Bs, pivotal elements of CIRCE PLUS. This experience will be instrumental in FRAME, where they are responsible for organizing a similar activity designed to facilitate networking activities crucial for fostering collaboration within the trilateral co-development film fund. This networking, involving stakeholders from the whole Programme area, will build on the robust foundation established by CIRCE PLUS to ensure the continuity and expansion of cross-regional partnerships in the audiovisual sector. (EN), Interreg REEL "A cinematic journey through Italy and Croatia" funded by Interreg Italy-Croatia Programme 2021/2027 (EN) | REEL aims to promote film-induced tourism in Italy and Croatia through cross-border initiatives in the audiovisual and tourism field. Synergies between the FRAME and REEL projects, both led by Apulia Film Commission, are poised to enhance the South Adriatic audiovisual sector. Leveraging the network and community established through REEL (which among the activities foresee to develop 10 short movies by young directors) will benefit FRAME’s initiatives, enabling the use of shared resources and expertise. This integration not only maximizes resource utilization but also enhances visibility and cooperation across projects, reinforcing a cohesive regional strategy for cultural and economic development in the audiovisual sector. (EN), Interreg ALICE "Animation League for Increased Cooperation in Europe" funded by Interreg Europe 2021/2027 (EN) | ALICE aimed to enhance cooperation in the animation sector and develop solutions tailored to diverse European markets and capacities. One of its key outputs was the release of a White Paper, a comprehensive methodology addressing legal and financial aspects, mapping, clustering, and training. Building upon the ALICE project's findings, FRAME will utilize the methodology provided by ALICE to analyze and map the audiovisual sector in the South Adriatic region. Leveraging the experience of the Puglia Region, which was a partner in ALICE and is an associated partner in FRAME, FRAME will adapt ALICE’s comprehensive approach for mapping industry assets and capabilities. (EN), Convention related to the bilateral fund for the development of cinematographic works in Italian-Tunisian co-production (2018) (EN) | Drawing on the successful model of the Italian-Tunisian co-production fund established by the 2018 agreement between Italy and Tunisia, FRAME plans to adopt and adapt this collaborative framework to establish a trilateral co-development film fund within the South Adriatic region. By leveraging the methodologies and structures from the Bilateral Fund, FRAME aims to enhance cooperation and resource sharing among film SMEs across the EU and extra-EU countries. The importance of this granting mechanism cannot be understated as it will provide critical financial support that enables the production of culturally significant films and fosters economic growth within the sector, meeting the specific needs and challenges of film producers in the South Adriatic. (EN), Interreg CIAK "Common Initiatives to AcKnowledge and valorize tourism potential of the programme area through cinema" funded by the Interreg Greece-Italy Programme 2014-2020 (EN) | CIAK, led by the Apulia Film Commission, focused on enhancing the tourism potential of Puglia and the Greek regions involved through initiatives tied to the audiovisual sector. Key outputs included an itinerant screenwriting workshop between Puglia and Greece, which also incorporated location scouting activities. The FRAME project will replicate the structure and organization of this activity—including participant selection, tutor recruitment, and program modules—in Activity A.1.3. This approach transfers the proven practices to new areas and stakeholders, leveraging and capitalizing on successful strategies from CIAK. (EN), Creative Europe Programme - Media Section (EN) | The FRAME project is closely aligned with the objectives of the Creative Europe Programme - MEDIA section, significantly enhancing its ability to develop the audiovisual sector. The MEDIA Programme has the potential to finance projects developed through FRAME's co-development film fund, which could significantly extend the reach and impact of these collaborative projects. This funding ensures that FRAME's initiatives not only meet regional objectives but also contribute to the broader European cultural landscape. Furthermore, the proximity of the Italy Media Desk, located at the Bari Cineporto, facilitates direct access to MEDIA resources and support, enhancing the synergy between FRAME and the MEDIA Programme. (EN), Film funds from Puglia, Albania, Montenegro (EN) | The FRAME project strategically capitalizes on synergies with the Film Fund released in Puglia by AFC, in Montenegro by FCM and in Albania by ANCC, to bolster the sustainability and impact of its co-development film fund. These complementary programs can potentially finance the co-development film projects initiated under FRAME, ensuring a steady flow of financial resources and sustainability of outputs, which helps transition projects from the development to the production phase. By aligning with these funds, FRAME leverages their complementary objectives to strengthen the regional audiovisual sector, enhance infrastructure, and facilitate cross-border collaborations. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 865 090.06

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 712 055.95

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 82.31%

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 712 055.95. Co-financing rate, 82.31%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

N. 1 Mapping of the South Adriatic Film SMEs
N. 4 Local Info Days reports
N. 1 Joint networking and B2B event report
N. 1 MoU of the Network of the South Adriatic Audiovisual SMEs
N. 1 Storytelling video
N. 1 Report on the itinerant screenwriting workshop
N. 1 Media campaign on the screenwriting workshop
N. 1 South Adriatic Co-Development Film Fund Call
N. 1 Report on the Balkan Film Market in Albania
N. 1 Report on the Film Forum in Puglia
N. 1 Capitalization plan of the South Adriatic Co-Development Film Fund
N. 1 Feasibility study for the implementation of the Molise Film Commission
N. 1 Report on the international final conference in Molise

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion FRAME contributes to the EUSAIR by aligning with its flagship actions under Pillar 4 (Increasing Tourism and Cultural Exchanges). By establishing a network for film SMEs, FRAME promotes cross-border collaborations that directly contribute to EUSAIR’s flagship action of integrating the region's cultural and creative industries into broader economic frameworks. Additionally, FRAME supports the creation of joint artistic co-productions and organizes film events that showcase the region’s cultural heritage, directly contributing to the flagship action aimed at enhancing cultural tourism and visibility. EUSAIR representatives (for example Pillars Coordinators), will be invited in the international events to ensure alignment with EUSAIR goals.
Other FRAME aligns with the EU’s SME Strategy for a Sustainable and Digital Europe by bolstering the competitiveness of film industry SMEs through sustainable practices. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem, FRAME enables film SMEs to exchange best practices, resources, and expertise, significantly enhancing their innovative capacities and competitive edge globally. This approach directly supports the EU's objective of fostering a more integrated and dynamic SME sector, promoting digital integration and sustainability as key drivers of economic growth and resilience.
Other FRAME aligns with the European Media and Audiovisual Action Plan by actively promoting the resilience and competitiveness of the media and audiovisual sectors. Through its initiatives to create a collaborative network for film SMEs and support joint artistic co-productions, FRAME enhances the capacity of these SMEs to adapt to digital transitions and reach wider international markets. This project contributes directly to the Action Plan’s goals of fostering innovation, ensuring wider access to financing, and enhancing cross-border collaboration within the European media landscape. By implementing these strategies, FRAME helps build a more vibrant, sustainable, and digitally integrated audiovisual sector across the South Adriatic, fully embracing the directives of the European Media and Audiovisual Action Plan.
Other FRAME directly supports the objectives of COSME, the EU program for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and SMEs, by enhancing the capacity and sustainability of film SMEs in the South Adriatic region. Through initiatives like establishing a cross-border network and launching a co-development film fund, FRAME facilitates the sharing of best practices and resources, thus improving the operational efficiency and market reach of these enterprises. This aligns with COSME’s goals to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the EU’s enterprises, particularly by encouraging better access to financing and markets, and fostering the entrepreneurial culture across Europe, ensuring that the film industry remains competitive and vibrant in the digital age.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Italy Albania Montenegro (South Adriatic)

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-04

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

78 / 78 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

369 / 369 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Fostering Regional Advancement and Market Expansion of Audiovisual SMEs in the South Adriatic

Description

Thematic information

Partners (4)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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