Co-Production Agreement Between Poland and Israel

The recent co-production agreement between Poland and Israel entered into force on September 11, 2013, enabling co-production between partners from these two countries to apply for public funding in both states. The ratification of this agreement opens the legal path for applying for public funding in Israel for Polish-Israeli co-productions.

Films and Other Audiovisual Works

For the purposes of the agreement, the term “film co-production” refers to films and other audiovisual works regardless of their length and format, including animated and documentary films, intended for distribution by any means and in any form […]. Film co-productions established under this agreement are to be treated by the authorities in both states as domestic works, and as such should be entitled to take advantage of any privileges available to the film industry in that country. These privileges apply to film co-productions undertaken by producers who, according to respective authorities, have the necessary technical capabilities, financial stability, and an established professional position.

Production in Poland or Israel

All film co-productions are to be produced in Poland or in Israel. Filming in other countries is allowed, provided that it is essential for the film’s subject matter, script details, or if the film crew includes technicians from Poland or Israel. Lab works should be performed in Poland or Israel […]. The input of each co-production partner should be between 20% and 80% of the total budget of the co-produced project.

“Polish-Israeli Co-Production” or “Israeli-Polish Co-Production”

Each co-producing party should be co-owner of the original production material, have ready access to it, and the right to make copies […]. At screenings, the co-produced project is to be described as “a Polish-Israeli co-production” or “Israeli-Polish co-production”. No limitations on the import, distribution and exhibition of Israeli films in Poland and Polish films in Israel will be imposed, other than those introduced by other laws currently in force in these countries.

Translated by Karolina Kołtun