The Italian region of Sicily has unveiled plans to co-finance film and television productions with a fund of €10.8m ($11.6m) in a bid to boost employment and tourism on the island. The fund will be managed by the Sicily Film Commission and will cover up to 20% of total production costs. The amount covers the 2022-23 period and will be allocated to feature films, TV series (including animation), documentaries and shorts.

The move is aimed at increasing the creative economy of the region through employment on productions and spend on local services. Projects that promote Sicily’s cultural and historical heritage are also hoped to boost local tourism.