Post-neoliberal images: film policy in Colombia and its lessons for developing countries

After neglecting the film sector for almost a decade, Latin American governments have reestablished support and protection policies since the mid-1990s. This recent effort occurs amidst opposition from market-oriented trends in the international context and national pressure to support other sectors such as education, health and pove rty. This research proposes an evaluation model defined as the Incipient Model of Sectoral Promotion and Cultural Consumption (IMSPCC) to analyze whether film policies in developing countries are worthwhile. The policy framework in Colombia serves as the case study to answer the general research question. As the results of the IMSPCC suggest, the Colombian model is in transition to overcome longstanding bottlenecks, and generating sustainability, mainly supported by the cultural diversity discourse of governmental and nongovernmental actors. This hopeful approach contrasts with limited outcomes in terms of extensive cultural access for consumers, equal gains for all stakeholders and fair conditions for film workers.