ACCA's forceful rejection of the Omnibus Law project
Newly way, Film Critics Association of Argentina (ACCA) expressed his rejection of the Omnibus Law project, since this initiative, “far from promoting development and diversity in national cinematography, “It has brought with it a series of regressive measures that directly affect the audiovisual industry and Argentine culture in general.”.
The message was sent through an extensive statement, who added that the proposal, “triggered a series of disastrous changes for the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts (INCAA) and for the cinematographic panorama as a whole”. At the same time, the Law to promote national cinematographic activity, “built after years of debates and participation of various sectors, was threatened with dismantling abruptly and without due consultation with those involved, evidencing a worrying authoritarian gesture”.
For the ACCA, “the text of the project, with a disproportionate amount of unusual items and materials, highlighted the president's request to obtain the sum of public power, which is alarming. “This approach fractures the continuity of INCAA financing and the forms of promotion of cinematographic activity”.
Analyzing the INCAA income budget for 2023, “a fall in the 66% in the amount available for the Film Development Fund. This cut means the destruction of a virtuous system that led to the growth of Argentine cinematography in quantity., quality, diversity and federalism, as well as its outstanding presence in the world audiovisual market”.
“The situation becomes even more critical for independent productions, condemned to disappearance when carried out at very low costs and without profitability. It is essential to note that the funds destined to promote the audiovisual industry do not come from taxes from those who do not consume these productions., Therefore, its elimination will not generate greater revenue or lower costs for the public.”, the statement reads.
On the other hand, from the entity they stated that “the void that opens up regarding the National School of Film Experimentation and Production is alarming., whose closure would imply the collapse of a professional training process that has turned Argentina into a destination chosen by global companies for their productions”. The new project, “by proposing that the Advisory Council be appointed exclusively by the Director of the INCAA, eliminates federal participation and undermines the necessary control mechanisms”.
Additionally, “the elimination of the screen quota for national cinema, The deregulation of movie theaters and the minimization of the requirements to consider a film as national open the door to productions not spoken in Spanish.. "The indiscriminate repeal of half of the articles of the current law adds more uncertainty to the national cinematographic panorama.".
By last, In the statement the “rejection of the closure of the National Fund for the Arts and the National Theater Institute was expressed., understanding the irreparable damage that this implies for national culture. Likewise, We oppose the modifications in the laws creating the National Institute of Music and the National Commission of Popular Libraries, that represent a curtailment of cultural capacities”.