Argentina’s government, led by President Javier Milei, is making big budget cuts to the country’s film and TV institute, INCAA. This decision is affecting a lot of areas in the film industry, including national film festivals like Mar del Plata, help for movies being released in the country, government-operated movie theaters, and film schools. A key film and TV event in Buenos Aires called Ventana Sur, which INCAA organizes with Cannes’ Marché du Film, is also at risk because of these cuts.
On March 11, a statement from the government’s Ministry of Human Capital announced that the Culture Ministry found a $4 million deficit at INCAA. Because of this, they’re cutting down on INCAA’s spending. This includes stopping money from going to local areas, banning international travel, no funding for festivals, not paying for extra work hours, not hiring mobile phone services, cutting daily allowances, and other costs.
They’re also not renewing contracts for some workers that end on March 31, aiming to save $8 million on staff salaries. This move follows an attempt by Milei to completely dissolve INCAA in January, which didn’t pass due to large protests and opposition from famous filmmakers worldwide.
Hernan Findling, who leads Argentina’s Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, mentioned they had a meeting with INCAA’s new leader, Carlos Pirovano. Pirovano made it clear that these budget cuts are happening, which will pause the film industry for about four months. He also said there’s no money for Ventana Sur this year and it might be held elsewhere.
Argentina’s New President Javier Milei Defunds Film-TV Agency INCAA, Ventana Sur https://t.co/fxJD98ZfGs #SM
— Woody Pugh (@Woody_Pugh) March 13, 2024
Despite no official word to the Marché du Film from the Argentine government, Ventana Sur’s co-director Bernardo Bergeret noted INCAA’s absence at significant film markets. The film community, through the coalition Cine Argentino Unido, has criticized these changes, highlighting a lack of a clear plan for the industry’s future and expressing concern over the impact on jobs and the economy. They also criticized the government’s stance on managing deficits by cutting cultural spending, arguing it worsens unemployment and poverty.
The coalition is demanding the government and INCAA’s new leaders work with the film community to find solutions that protect the industry and cultural heritage, stressing the industry’s role in creating jobs and preserving cultural value. Source
