Belgium - Senegal co-production: a strategic and artistic opportunity!

Think local, make a global impact

Senegal offers an ideal setting for productions from all over the world! BATAO aims to help productions, wherever they come from, to find the resources they need locally: sets, technicians, service providers , equipment, financing… These services are offered free of charge, with complete impartiality. BATAO acts independently of any producer or service provider. Our aim is to promote the region and its players.

We also offer an ideal platform for strengthening cinematographic relations between Belgium and Senegal. This program, which is part of Wallonie-Bruxelles International ‘s bilateral cooperation framework, enables producers from both countries to benefit from multiple advantages, both creatively and financially.

The co-production agreement: a solid legal framework

In May 2021, the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles and Senegal signed a film co-production agreement. The agreement aims to facilitate artistic and technical collaborations, while enabling co-produced productions to access markets in both countries. This is the third such agreement signed with an African country, following those with Tunisia and Morocco. The agreement underscores the determination of both nations to promote cultural exchanges and strengthen their respective film industries.

Achievements of Belgian-Senegalese co-productions

Several films co-produced between Belgium and Senegal have already enjoyed international success. Atlantique, a film co-produced by Cinekap in Senegal and Frakas Productions in Belgium, won the Grand Prix du Jury at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival. The film is a shining example of the successes that can be achieved through co-production between these two countries. Other works, such as Félicité byAlain Gomis, also produced by Cinékap in Senegal and Need Productions in Belgium, are also Belgo-Senegalese productions, illustrating the wealth of possible partnerships.

Financial incentives in Belgium

Belgium offers several attractive financial incentives for international co-productions. The Tax Sheltera Belgian tax scheme, enables investors to benefit from substantial tax deductions when financing audiovisual productions. This mechanism, applicable throughout Belgium, is open to international co-productions, including those made under the agreement with Senegal.

In addition, regional funds such as Wallimage and Screen Brussels invest amounts that can cover part of the costs of production or post-production in Belgium. These funds enable producers to maximize their budgets by accessing significant financial resources, while benefiting from local infrastructure and expertise.

The role of FOPICA in Senegal

In Senegal, the Film and Audiovisual Industry Promotion Fund (FOPICA) plays a crucial role in supporting local and international film projects. The fund, set up by the Senegalese government, provides grants to facilitate the production of quality films, while building the capacity of the local audiovisual sector.

BATAO’s call for projects: a mirrored collaboration

As part of its commitment to strengthening cinematic cooperation, BATAO has launched a call for projects to encourage co-productions between Belgium and Senegal. This program, conceived as a mirror image, proposes a series of parallel activities in both countries. The first part will take place as part of the Festival International du Film Francophone de Namur (FIFF), and the second in Dakar, as part of the Dakar Séries festival, enabling Belgian and Senegalese producers to present their respective industries and identify opportunities for collaboration and financing. The selected projects will benefit not only from financial and logistical support, but also from increased visibility on the international scene thanks to BATAO ‘s involvement in promoting these works.

Co-production between Belgium and Senegal represents a strategic opportunity for producers in both countries. With a secure legal framework, attractive financial incentives and theinstitutional support of programs like BATAO, this collaboration is promising, to say the least.

Find out more about the call for projects for films in development: co-productions between Belgium (Wallonia and Brussels) and Senegal.

Producers and directors, it’s your turn! Please submit your application here before August 19, 2024.