When a country sets film quotas, mandatory minimum screen time for domestically produced films in theaters. Also known as screen quotas, they’re a direct tool to stop foreign films—mostly from Hollywood—from flooding local markets and drowning out homegrown stories. It’s not about banning Hollywood. It’s about giving local filmmakers a chance to be seen.
Film quotas are tied to national film policy, government strategies to support domestic film production and cultural identity. Countries like South Korea, France, and Canada use them to keep their film industries alive. In South Korea, theaters must show Korean films for at least 146 days a year. In France, cinemas must dedicate a portion of their screens to European films. These aren’t suggestions—they’re laws with penalties. Without them, many local films would never get a theater slot. Big studios can afford to buy up screens. Small filmmakers can’t. Quotas level the playing field.
They’re also linked to cinema regulation, the legal framework controlling how movies are distributed and exhibited. This includes things like tax breaks for local producers, funding for film schools, and even rules about when foreign films can be released. The goal? Keep the culture visible. Keep jobs local. Keep audiences connected to their own stories. It’s not just about money—it’s about who gets to tell stories on screen.
Some say quotas hurt audiences by limiting choice. But look at the results: South Korea now has one of the world’s most vibrant film scenes. French cinema still wins Oscars. Canada’s indie films find global audiences. Quotas don’t guarantee quality—but they do guarantee exposure. And exposure is the first step to success.
Below, you’ll find real examples of how filmmakers, festivals, and distributors work around—and sometimes because of—these rules. From how indie films get funding through foreign sales to how streaming platforms now face pressure to meet local content targets, the impact of film quotas reaches far beyond theater doors. These aren’t outdated policies. They’re living tools shaping what you watch today.
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