Film industry wants a permanent solution after streaming levy is postponed
Latvia's government has temporarily postponed a levy on streaming platforms, and Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has promised the film sector one million euros in compensation. The industry still wants a long-term solution to raise funding.
Latvia's film industry is counting on one million euros promised by Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, of the party Apvienotais saraksts (United List), as compensation for the temporary postponement of a levy on streaming platforms. The levy was meant to serve as an additional source of funding for the film sector.
The one-off compensation does not satisfy the sector, however. The film industry wants a permanent solution that would increase funding and create a competitive environment, at least at the Baltic level.
What the Oscar made possible
Latvia so far has only one Academy Award, the Oscar won by the film "Flow" ("Straume"). According to the film's producer Matīss Kaža, the opportunities the award gave the country have remained unused.
The term "culture shock" has also been used in the debate over the decision to postpone the levy, and the public discussion is weighing whether that reaction is exaggerated.
