The preparatory action MEDIA International aims to explore ways of reinforcing cooperation between European and third-country professionals from the audiovisual industry on a basis of mutual benefit. It also aims to encourage a two-way flow of cinematographic/audiovisual works.

Since 2008 the EU has already provided €7m for 58 projects under MEDIA International. In February 2010 a new call for proposals has been launched, with a budget of €1 million, for projects taking place mainly in the second half of 2010, focusing on training and on activities facilitating the search for partners for production and sales.

This funding is continued under the successor MEDIA Mundus programme adopted in October 2009. MEDIA Mundus will have €15m in funding for the period 2011-2013. A first call for proposals for MEDIA Mundus projects is likely to be published on the MEDIA website in the second half of 2010.