Representatives from the film and audiovisual sectors across the world have released a statement and launched a global petition. In it, they urge all governments to stand firm and safeguard the systems that support independent film and audiovisual creation so that culture, creativity, and democratic access to diverse stories for the screen can continue to flourish.

On 1 April, SAA General Assembly elected a new leadership; a Board of Directors that will guide the strategic direction of the organisation for 2025-2027 to address the challenges facing audiovisual authors in Europe, including the impact of generative AI, the uncertain regulatory environment and the challenging political climate.

On the occasion of the announcement of the five films nominated for the LUX Audience Award 2025, the Federation of European Screen Directors (FERA), the Federation of Screenwriters in Europe (FSE) and the SAA call in their joint statement on the Members of the European Parliament to empower European audiovisual creation in all its diversity during their 10th parliamentary term.

FERA, FSE and the SAA congratulate Lukas Dhont, director and writer, and co-writer Angelo Tijssens of CLOSE, winner of the LUX Audience Award 2023, as announced during a festive ceremony yesterday evening in the European Parliament in Brussels.

A broad coalition of 73 European and national organisations from the audiovisual and cultural sectors addresses the EU Commission, Council and the Parliament with a joint letter expressing their concerns over the EU Commission’s proposal for the European Media Freedom Act.

Media freedom and pluralism must equal, not undermine audiovisual policies and cultural diversity

On 29 November 2022, the Council of the EU adopted its resolution on the EU Work Plan for Culture 2023-2026. We had a look at what is particularly interesting for the audiovisual sector and its authors.

More than 40 years ago, the UNESCO Recommendation on the Status of Artist stated that Member States should take necessary measures to ensure that “the artist is remunerated for the distribution and commercial exploitation of his work”. On 14 November 2022, the SAA submitted its contribution to the UNESCO consultation on the recommendation.

During the pandemic lockdowns and quarantines, many of us expressed gratefulness for the 21st century technology that allowed us to watch films and series on our screens, escaping the worrying health crisis around us. However, few paid attention to the consequences of the domination of the streaming and on-demand services by US interests: while the audience gets more content, European authors are being stripped of their right to royalties.