EFP boosts Euro pics in Shanghai

Festival runs June 16-24

By ALI JAAFAR

Match Factory's 'Yella' will be at the Shanghai Fest.

LONDON -- Hamburg-based European Film Promotion is continuing its drive to help European films navigate their way into Chinese cinemas by rolling out its Film Sales Support scheme at the Shanghai Intl. Film Fest for the third year running.

The funding program will assist 10 European films at the 10th edition of the Shanghai event, China's only A-list fest, which unspools June 16-24.

Nine European sales companies will benefit from EFP support, with a financial boost injected into their marketing and promotional campaigns.

Germany is well represented at the fest with Bavaria Film Intl. taking "Miguel & William," Media Luna Entertainment shepherding "Vitus," MMM Film with "Hounded," Ten Letters Filmproduktion with "The Gamblers" and the Match Factory with "Yella." Spain's Corsan ("Waiting For Dublin"), Ireland's ("Rosg") and Gaul's Wide Management ("Fissures," "Stolen Holidays") will also be in attendance.

Shanghai is increasingly positioning itself as an industry event with the launch of a new film market, running June 17-19.

Film Sales Support is backed by the E.U.'s Media Program with a remit to increase the visibility of European films around the world.