Skip to main content

1. OVERVIEW OF TARTU FILM FUND

The Tartu Film Fund, established in 2015, is a regional film fund with the goal of supporting the development of the audiovisual sector in Southern Estonia. The fund is coordinated by the Tartu Centre for Creative Industries. Its main focus is to support professional film projects that utilize regional services and resources, while bringing visibility and economic benefits to the region.

The fund's operational area includes the city of Tartu and the counties of Tartu, Jõgeva, Põlva, Valga, and Võru. Tartu Film Fund is part of leading European networks (such as CineRegio and the European Film Commissions Network) and collaborates with both local and international partners.

2. MISSION AND VALUES

Our mission is to develop Southern Estonia into a film-friendly, vibrant, and professional region where local stories, people, and places are truly valued.

Our values:

  • Content rooted in place
    We believe the strongest stories grow from our own region – the nature, people, and culture of Southern Estonia form the core of our work. We support projects that arise from this local sensibility and give voice to peripheral perspectives, memory, and uniqueness.
  • Supportive and reliable partnership
    Filmmaking is complex. Our role is to make it simpler – we respond quickly, communicate openly and personally, and focus on solutions, not obstacles.
  • Sustainability and professionalism
    We value deliberate, thoughtful development – in both creative and economic terms. Our aim is not quantity but quality that supports local communities, the environment, and the sustainable growth of the film sector.
  • Authenticity and the courage to stand out
    Southern Estonia has its own rhythm and light. We don’t seek to imitate others – we make room for stories and forms that don’t fit conventional molds. We embrace the quirks of our region as a strength.
  • Shared growth and a living film culture
    We build skills, networks, and new approaches through collaboration – from supporting young talent to piloting innovative projects. Our vision is a film-friendly and thriving Southern Estonia where film is not a guest, but a natural part of cultural life.

3. OUR SERVICES

  • Cash rebate – up to 35% reimbursement on eligible production expenses in Southern Estonia (services, labor, accommodation, logistics).
  • Location support and consultation – access to a local locations database, assistance with permits and approvals, FAM trips, and discounted production space at the Loomeka Hub.
  • Network of local service providers – we help connect you with reliable partners and vendors in the region.
  • Training and professional development – seminars, workshops, mentoring programs, and integration with the local creative business ecosystem.
  • Implementation of international cooperation projects – partnerships in EU-funded projects and international networks.

4. OUR PARTNERS

  • City of Tartu
  • Jõgeva County Development and Enterprise Centre
  • Association of Municipalities of Tartu County
  • Põlva County Development Centre
  • Võru County Development Centre
  • Valga County Development Agency
  • Estonian Film Institute
  • Baltic Film and Media School
  • Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF), TARTUFF
  • Elektriteater Cinema
  • Vilnius Film Office
  • Riga Film Institute
  • Nordic Film Commissions
  • CineRegio, European Film Commissions Network
  • sTARTUp Day