Greece and France have signed a memorandum of cooperation between the Hellenic Center for Cinema, Audiovisual Media, and Creation (EKKOMED - Creative Greece) and the Institut National de l'Audiovisuel (INA), France’s national audiovisual archives institution.
The agreement, signed at the French Embassy in Greece, aims to strengthen international collaboration in audiovisual archiving and aligns with the Greek Ministry of Culture’s strategy to establish a national audiovisual archival policy and preserve digital cultural heritage.
French Ambassador Laurence Auer emphasized the historical and cultural ties between the two nations, noting France's leadership in audiovisual archive preservation and Greece’s vital role in safeguarding its cinematic history.
She highlighted the partnership's significance, coinciding with the 25th Francophone Film Festival in Greece.
INA General Director Agnès Chauveau and EKKOMED CEO Leonidas Christopoulos signed the agreement. Chauveau described INA as a "reservoir of cultural heritage" dedicated to archiving, analysis, production, and education through technology.
Christopoulos stated the collaboration marks a significant step for EKKOMED’s international outreach, enhancing Greece's digital audiovisual repository.
He expressed confidence in the partnership's benefits, citing INA’s 50-year expertise.
The agreement is expected to drive advancements in audiovisual preservation and foster joint initiatives between Greece and France.