Renate Ranzi, IDM Music & Film Commission of Südtirol

At this year’s Venice Film Festival, the film “Elisa” by Leonardo Di Costanzo has garnered attention not only for its artistic qualities but also for the collaborative efforts behind its production. Supported by the IDM Film and Music Commission of Sudtirol, “Elisa” exemplifies how regional film commissions are actively fostering innovative projects and regional talent development. We talked about it and also about other topics, with Renate Ranzi of the IDM Music & Film Commission of Sudtirol.

Supporting regional talent and international success

“Elisa” was partly shot in Sudtirol, with substantial involvement from approximately 30 local professionals across various departments. This collaboration highlights the commitment of regional film commissions like IDM to nurture local talent and integrate them into international circuits. The film’s support from the commission reflects a broader strategy to showcase regional stories on prominent stages like Venice. The production’s success at Venice marks a positive milestone for the Sudtirol region, which has maintained a consistent presence at the festival over recent years. Previous entries such as “Lubo” and “Vermiglio” have also benefited from similar support, establishing a fruitful tradition that underscores the importance of regional involvement in the global film industry.

IDM Film and Music Commission: an innovative approach to cultural funding

Renate Ranzi, representative of the IDM Film and Music Commission, elaborates on the organisation’s unique role within Italy. Recently renamed to include “Music” in its title, the commission now manages a dedicated fund for music projects, reflecting a broader cultural mission. This fund, established by the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, is designed to support musical endeavours across all stages—from composition and production to distribution and live performances. The fund’s inclusive policy welcomes applications from musicians and companies worldwide, regardless of their location. Applicants must commit at least 120% of a project’s budget involving local Sudtirol musicians or structures, encouraging international collaboration and cultural exchange.

Multiple funding phases and opportunities

The commission’s funding structure covers 33 different phases of music-related projects, including pre-production, recording, and distribution. This comprehensive approach enables support for a variety of initiatives, such as music videos, tours, and concerts. The current funding cycle has a deadline set for October 7, with a policy to inform applicants within two months.Moreover, the funding agenda anticipates two deadlines annually, allowing more consistent support for international and local artists alike. With a current budget of €275,000, the commission aims to develop Sudtirol into a thriving hub for both film and music industries.

Expanding international presence and market access

Beyond financial support, the IDM commission actively promotes talents at international markets. Initiatives include delegations, participation in various festivals, and hosting events like the Audiovisual Producer Summit held in Murano. These activities foster networking opportunities and help regional talents gain visibility beyond Italy.The synergy between film and music support initiatives underscores IDM’s broader goal to diversify and strengthen Sudtirol’s cultural industries. Such efforts could serve as a blueprint for other regional film commissions seeking to integrate music and film development strategies.

This interview was recorded during the Venice Film Festival 2025, in partnership with the Italian Film Commissions Association and with the support of the Italian Trade Agency.