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Luxembourg and Iceland have signed their first joint co-production treaty, making a significant step in strengthening collaboration between the two countries' audiovisual industries. The agreement was concluded as part of the official visit of Luxembourg's Minister of Culture, Eric Thill, at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival and Marché du Film.

The provisions of the treaty will facilitate co-productions between Luxembourg and Iceland, ensure their recognition in both territories, and seek to promote the further development of the cultural and technological ties between the countries' audiovisual industries. Under the treaty, the financial contribution of the Luxembourg or Icelandic coproducer representation may vary between ten to ninety per cent for each coproduction. Works developed within this framework will be recognised as national productions in both Luxembourg and Iceland. In addition, coproducers are required to make an effective technical and creative contribution proportional to their financial participation The technical and creative contribution comprises the combined share of creative talent, performers, technical and production crews, as well as the use of studios, laboratories and facilities.

The agreement was signed by Guy Daleiden, Managing Director of Film Fund Luxembourg, and Gísli Snaer Erlingsson, Director of the Icelandic Film Centre, under the witness of Eric Thill, Luxembourg Minister of Culture. Its scope covers audiovisual productions of any genre and format, including feature films, series, and digital technology-based works such as XR experiences, devised for any type of distribution channel.

Luxembourg and Iceland already maintain active and fruitful exchanges within the audiovisual sector.

Two coproductions are currently underway:

• A FAVOUR, directed by Grímur Hákonarson and coproduced by Sarimar Films (IS), Iris Productions (LU), June Films (FR) and Profile Pictures (DK); and
• THE MAN IN THE STOREROOM, directed by María Sólrún and coproduced by Red Lion (LU), Sagafilm Productions (IS) and Wunderlust (DE). In addition, the Luxembourg City Film Festival collaborates closely with the Reykjavik-based Stockfish festival. 

Both Iceland and Luxembourg are strong and experienced co-production countries, with access to major European support mechanisms such as Creative Europe and Eurimages.

"I strongly believe that specific bilateral initiatives like this agreement can create new ties and draw audiovisual industries closer together that may be geographically distant, but close in values and lived experience", said Guy Daleiden.

Sharing similar industry metrics, it is only natural for small countries to look towards each other to harness the potential of closer cooperation and exchange. The treaty will enter into force for an initial period of five years.

"Luxembourg's economy and appeal have always been based on openness, cooperation and an international outlook. Today's signature puts those values and our government's intention to incentivise international co-production treaties into practice," said Eric Thill, Minister of Culture

"I am delighted to see this treaty come to fruition and confident it will generate even stronger interest in our producers to look further afield for their future projects and generate new opportunities for professionals in both countries", added Gísli Snaer Erlingsson.

Following its signature, the agreement will be submitted for ratification by both countries' parliaments in the coming months.

The signing ceremony took place at the Luxembourg Pavilion at the Marché du Film and was followed by a networking event bringing together industry professionals from Luxembourg and Iceland.

Released by Film Fund Luxembourg