Renowned filmmakers Joachim Trier and Ruben Östlund, alongside Oscar-winning actress Juliette Binoche, have issued a powerful joint appeal to the European Union today. They are calling on the EU to drastically increase its support and funding for the cinema industry, which they argue is a vital pillar of European cultural identity. The trio emphasized that without targeted institutional backing, independent European films risk being overshadowed by the overwhelming financial and algorithmic power of global streaming giants.

The appeal comes at a time when the European film industry is grappling with shifting audience habits and rising production costs. The filmmakers stressed that cinema is not just a commercial product but a public good that fosters empathy, critical thinking, and social cohesion across the continent. They are advocating for policies that protect the "theatrical window,” the period films are exclusive to cinemas, and for more robust investment in both film production and the preservation of historic movie houses.

This high-profile intervention is expected to influence upcoming EU legislative discussions regarding digital market regulations and cultural subsidies. By lending their collective voices to the cause, Trier, Östlund, and Binoche hope to spark a broader public debate about the value of art in the digital age. They concluded their statement by warning that a failure to act now could lead to a permanent loss of the diverse, local stories that make European cinema unique on the world stage.