Flemish industry in shock as Screen Flanders set to be axed

Screen Flanders has supported such series as The Twelve

European audiovisual fund Screen Flanders is set to be axed at the end of this year as part of budget cuts by the Flemish government – a decision that has left both the Flemish and wider European audiovisual markets reeling.

The influential economic support measure will be discontinued as of January 1, 2027, a decision that has left both the Flemish and wider European audiovisual markets reeling.

Through Screen Flanders, the government of Flanders invests millions of euros in audiovisual productions that spend part of their budget in the region.

Among the projects it has supported over the years are seasons of espionage drama The Golden Hour and Irish series Hidden Assets, as well as Belgian hit The Twelve and dystopian drama The Best Immigrant.

By spending a portion of their budget in the Flanders region, audiovisual productions can receive up to €400,000 (US$450,000) in funding from Screen Flanders. In return, they agree to pay back a percentage of earnings to Screen Flanders. The project must be a feature-length fiction, documentary or animation film, or a fiction, documentary or animation series.

Following the government announcement, Screen Flanders issued a statement pointing out every €1 (US$1.10) it has invested leads to about €8 in audiovisual expenditure coming to Flanders.

In 2025, Screen Flanders said it invested €4.9m in 22 projects, generating more than €40.2m in audiovisual spending in the region.

Screen Flanders said: “We sincerely hope that this proven multiplier effect will not be overlooked.”

The organisation added that existing commitments made under the Screen Flanders funding scheme will remain in place, while a second call for applications in 2026 will also proceed as planned.

Karla Puttemans, CEO at fellow funding agency Flanders Audiovisual Fund, said: “Given its crucial role in sustaining a strong and economically viable audiovisual sector in Flanders, we deeply regret this decision. Screen Flanders has been a key driver in attracting international coproductions, leveraging the Belgian Tax Shelter and generating significant economic impact.”

Brussels-based event organiser Cartoon, which is behind European animation events such as Cartoon Forum in France and Cartoon Business in Belgium, said it was “deeply concerned” by the decision.

Cartoon said: “For more than a decade, Screen Flanders has played an important role in supporting the audiovisual sector in Flanders, attracting international coproductions and generating significant economic activity in the region.

“The impact also reaches far beyond Flanders. Screen Flanders has supported numerous international productions and coproductions, including animated projects presented at Cartoon events over the years.

“We stand firmly with our colleagues and partners in Flanders and urge decision-makers to recognise the vital impact of the audiovisual sector on our cultural, creative and economic landscape. Strong and sustainable support mechanisms are essential to safeguarding its future and ensuring that this impact can continue to be felt across society.”

Animated projects supported by Screen Flanders include Dimitri, Fox & Hare Save the Forest, George & Paul, Interstellar Ella and Sir Mouse.