North Macedonia Film Agency

The Film Agency was established by the Law on Film Industry (Official Gazette No. 82/2013). It began operations on January 1, 2014, as the legal successor of the Film Fund of the Republic of North Macedonia. The primary goal of the Film Agency is the development and promotion of the film industry in the Republic of North Macedonia. Through continuous support for the production of films of national interest, support for international film co-productions, professional development, encouragement of domestic screenplay development, promotion of domestic film creations at top international festivals and events and the promotion of North Macedonia as an attractive location for foreign production companies to film, the Agency paves the way to achieving its objectives. The Agency's funding comes from the Budget of the Republic of North Macedonia and other sources defined by the Law on Film Industry. 

For financing projects for the production of feature or short films, documentaries and animated films, the Film Agency announces an annual competition in January, which remains open throughout the year. Decisions on the submitted film projects are made twice a year, in April and October. For financing projects of national interest in the film industry, the Film Agency announces a competition during the year for financing projects supporting screenplay writing and another competition for financing projects for organizing domestic festivals and other internationally recognized film events. To perform technical tasks under the Agency's jurisdiction and to take measures to improve the film industry, a Film Council has been formed. Film reviewers are appointed to evaluate the film projects submitted to the Agency's competition and a Financial Advisor is appointed to assess the operational plans and budgets of the film projects. 

The Film Agency maintains records of film producers, distributors and cinemas in the Republic of North Macedonia, records of films made with funds from the state budget, films shot in North Macedonia, films distributed in cinemas and films screened in cinemas in North Macedonia. To protect minors from films that may harm their moral, physical, or psychological development, films distributed in North Macedonia for cinema or other public screenings must be categorized according to their content. 

By providing the right to a refund under the Law on Film Industry, the Film Agency encourages investment in the film industry in North Macedonia. Any film producer who invests in the realization of a feature, documentary, or animated film, or a TV film or series, in North Macedonia can receive a refund. The refund is processed after the completion of the film or television project. The Commission for the Right to a Refund, whose president and members are appointed by the Government of North Macedonia, decides whether the conditions for receiving a refund have been met.