Alongside tackling the COVID-19 crisis, the European Commission and the European Parliament have continued working on establishing a European approach for the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The SAA had a look at the topic to try to understand how AI is used in the audiovisual sector and what its impact on authors is.

Europe’s cultural and creative sectors were among the first and hardest hit by the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. They will also be among the last. 

Living under lockdown, with social distancing, was once unimaginable but is now the new normal for most of us. Cinema, theatres and film production were among the first cultural activities to shut down, and they will be the last in line to be up and running again. However, the cultural sector continues to show resilience to mobilise, adapt and outlive the COVID-19 crisis.

The film and audiovisual sector in Europe calls for urgent action by EU and Member State decision-makers to safeguard the future of the sector in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, following in the footsteps of initial emergency measures announced at national level, including by film funds and other bodies.

The SAA signed an open letter to the EU and Member States demanding support for the cultural and creative sectors during the COVID-19 crisis, initiated by Niklas Nienaß and Salima Yenbou, Members of the European Parliament. 

Every year, the European Parliament celebrates European cinema and cultural diversity through the LUX Film Prize Award. The SAA is proud to participate to this celebration by organising a dinner, in partnership with FERA and FSE, gathering Members of the European Parliament, our members and the LUX Film Prize finalists. This year, our guests reminded us that freedom of artistic expression cannot be taken for granted and needs to be upheld and protected at all times.

The SAA's 6th edition of the “One Day in Strasbourg” took place on the 26 November. In addition to SAA members meeting their MEPs during the day, we hosted a dinner together with the European Parliament's LUX Film Prize, in partnership with FERA and FSE. We celebrated European cinema, cultural diversity and freedom of expression with the LUX Film Prize finalists.  

Dear Members of the European Parliament, Culture unites Europeans and celebrates our common identity and diversity. Authors and performers’ creativity and work contribute to the wealth and pride of European culture.

Brussels European quarters are back to business: traffic jams, overpopulated coffee places and queues to pass security into the institutions. Inside the European Parliament, the last carpets are being laid and furniture assembled in the 751 offices.

On the 2nd of September, 751 Members of the European Parliament resumes their work. Before the summer break, the SAA had the chance to welcome a few and we look forward continuing to meet and present who we are and why European filmmakers should be a priority for the Parliament.

A folder presenting the SAA and our members and explaining the importance of collective rights management for European audiovisual authors. 

At the Cannes Film Festival more than 500 filmmakers came together, urging EU citizens to vote in the European elections. Many EU citizens did vote, in fact the turnout was 51%, the highest in 20 years.