The Czech State Audiovisual Fund (Státní fond audiovize) has issued call 2026-D-4-2-33 Digitisation and Modernisation of Cinemas with a total allocation of CZK 30 million. Applications were accepted from April 30 to June 1, 2026; the Fund Council decides in August 2026 and applicants receive the decision within 120 days of the deadline. Here is a summary of the call - useful both for applicants awaiting results and for cinemas considering the next round.
What the call supports
The call targets four project types (in the order of the Council priorities):
- Cinema modernisation (excluding projection technology): seat replacement, equipment for visually and hearing impaired visitors (subtitling and similar devices), the sound chain (audio, acoustics) and the image chain (screen and accessories, e.g. curtains)
- Cinema digitisation to the DCI standard
- Renewal of DCI projection technology - typically replacing an ageing DCI projector with a new generation
- Digitisation outside the DCI standard (e-cinema) - for venues where e-cinema is the appropriate technical solution
The support does not cover building works (roof or facade repairs, lighting, HVAC etc.). A cinema applying for multiple project types submits a separate application for each, with a separate administrative fee (CZK 7,000).
How much can be obtained
- Up to 80% of total project costs is the maximum public support intensity (GBER regime, EC Regulation No. 651/2014).
- Up to CZK 1 million is the expected support for cinema modernisation, DCI digitisation and DCI projection technology renewal.
- Up to CZK 150,000 for digitisation outside the DCI standard (e-cinema).
The amounts are indicative and may change depending on the volume of applications received. The support is an investment grant paid as a lump sum within 60 days of the decision. Projects must be completed as per the application, no later than January 31, 2028.
2026 call timeline
- April 30 - June 1, 2026 application period (now closed)
- from July 20, 2026 applicants receive the evaluators’ assessment (TRT), with 5 calendar days to respond
- August 2026 Council deliberation and decisions
- within 120 days of the deadline decisions delivered to applicants
How we help with the technical side of an application
The application includes an itemised budget, and the Fund explicitly allows an optional annex with a detailed technical solution prepared by the supplier. That is exactly our role: we prepare a cinema modernisation design including the technical specification and budget for the application - from projection and sound to the screen and seating. If you are considering the next round (the Fund issues cinema digitisation and modernisation calls repeatedly), get in touch early - we are happy to help with the technical documentation. The assessment of the application itself is, of course, up to the Fund Council.
Official call and forms: call 2026-D-4-2-33 at sfa.gov.cz and the full call text (PDF).