Twenty-four European culture ministers unite to protect cinema as cultural heritage
Source: in-cyprus.com
Twenty-four European culture ministers have endorsed a collective position affirming that cinema must remain under the guardianship of culture ministries across Europe, marking a historic victory for the continent’s audiovisual industry.
The Directors Guild of Cyprus, in collaboration with producers and directors across Cyprus and Greece, announced the achievement on Thursday following a two-year campaign that began with the Declaration of Filmmakers at Cannes 2023.
Cypriot Deputy Minister of Culture Dr Vasiliki Kassianidou and Greek Minister of Culture Dr Lina Mendoni joined forces and co-signed the European Filmmakers Manifesto, which establishes the cultural exception as the cornerstone of European cultural policy.
The initiative represents European audiovisual work as more than commercial products, safeguarding the rights of creators, filmmakers and storytellers across Europe whilst protecting European cultural policy. It clarifies financial backing and support for the European audiovisual industry against technological and commercial pressures.
“This is a defining moment for European cinema,” said Athena Xenidou, president of the Directors Guild of Cyprus and member of the European Filmmakers Manifesto core team.
“For two years, we have worked tirelessly at major film festivals—Venice, Berlinale, San Sebastian—and at the European Parliament level to ensure our voice is heard. Cinema is not technology; it is culture. It is a common memory, a shared story. It is art and European culture”.
The campaign received crucial support from the Cyprus Cinema Office, its head Dr Elena Christodoulidou and her team, according to the guild. The effort was also backed by Athens Film Office head Stathi Kalogeropoulos, Cyprus Film Commissioner Lefteris Eleftheriou, Greek Film Centre head Athena Kartalou and Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Centre CEO Leonidas Christopoulos.
The comprehensive statement was published in Le Figaro on 16 May 2025. A symbolic moment followed when French Culture Minister Rachida Dati, Xenidou, Kostas Gavras, Claude Lelouche, Radu Mihaileanu, Julie Bertuccelli, Pierre Jolivet, Francesco Ranieri and Sofia Norlin ascended the steps at Cannes in solidarity, emphasising that cultural policy must guide the future of European audiovisual production.
“We sent a clear message,” Xenidou said. “The cultural exception is not negotiable. It is the foundational framework within which European cinema thrives, and we will remain committed to it. We will stay focused on building a Europe of Culture”.
The Directors Guild of Cyprus represents film and audiovisual directors in Cyprus and works in solidarity with filmmakers across Europe to promote creative freedom, cultural diversity and protection of creators’ rights.
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