Describe the main features of the policy/measure:
Key objective of the measure is to digitalize the network of independent cinemas (arthouse, small and regional cinemas) in different parts of Croatia, so as to enable the easier and wider distribution of audio-visual content. The digitalization of independent cinemas was one of the strategic goals set out in the 2010-2014 National Program of the Development of Audio-visual Activities, but it is still an important goal in the new 2017-2021 Program. The Ministry of Culture co-financed 60% of the equipment cost in larger cities and 70% of the cost in smaller ones. The cinema owners and the local and city self-governments covered the remaining costs.
Website of the policy/measure, if available:
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the policy/measure?:
Because of the transition from analogue to digital screening formats, the implementation of this measure was and is still vital to the survival of the film exhibition industry in Croatia, especially taking into account the decentralisation issue. The first phase of the implementation of this measure resulted in digitalization of 29 cinemas (28 screens and six festivals) with the total cost of 12,5 million Kuna, of which 7,5 million was covered by the Ministry of Culture and Media. The second phase is still ongoing as a number of small and regional cinemas still need to be digitized. It has to be noted that a high percentage of digitalised theatres places Croatia amongst the leading European countries and it is a good practice example – by 2020 more than 100 cinema theatres were digitized. The additional feature of the implementation of the measure was the establishment of the new Croatian Network of Independent Cinemas – ‘Kino mreža’ in 2014, that by now has more than fifty members.
Partner(s) engaged in the implementation of the measure:
| Name of partner | Type of entity |
|---|---|
Ministry of Culture, Croatian Audiovisual Centre, local and regional governments.
| Public Sector
|
Has the implementation of the policy/measure been evaluated?:
NO