Sektion Kunst und Kultur des zuständigen Bundesministeriums

The Austrian Film Institute (ÖFI) is the nationwide film funding agency in Austria. As a public-law legal entity and based on the Film Funding Act, the ÖFI supports feature films at all stages of development, production, and distribution. It promotes the strengthening of the Austrian film industry, the creative and artistic quality of domestic film production, as well as the international visibility of Austrian productions. Furthermore, the institute advises the federal government on key film cultural and economic issues and coordinates funding measures within and outside the European Union.

The mission of the Austrian Film Institute is to promote Austrian cinema as a cultural asset and art form, to preserve and further develop European and national film culture in all its diversity, and to strengthen the competitiveness of Austria as a film location. It aims to make Austrian identity experientially accessible through film, support emerging filmmakers, and ensure the distribution of Austrian films domestically and internationally through international cooperation.

The funding programs of the Austrian Film Institute are aimed at filmmakers in Austria, including producers, directors, screenwriters, and other creative professionals who wish to realize innovative and artistically ambitious film projects. The target group encompasses all phases of the film process – from concept and project development through production to distribution and marketing – as well as Austrian-foreign co-productions and initiatives to strengthen filmmaking within the European context.