Launched in 2021 to attract Swiss and international film shoots to the Valais, the Valais Film Commission has made a name for itself with its cash rebate scheme. In concrete terms, this involves reimbursing productions for part of the expenses incurred during their stay in Valais, with a reimbursement ceiling set at CHF 100,000.- regardless of the total amount spent.

At the end of its pilot phase (2021-2024), the VFC has proved its worth, and the results are more than positive. For every franc spent on productions, seven were generated for the Valais economy. Audiovisual productions spent four million francs in the canton, resulting in a reimbursement of CHF 610,000.-. In other words, every franc invested generated a return of almost seven francs for the Valais economy. The main beneficiaries of this increase in film shoots in the region are hoteliers, owners of vacation accommodation (domiciled in Valais) and restaurateurs, with cumulative sales of two million francs. The remainder is distributed between the salaries of Valais-based professionals, transport and administration.

By promoting cinema as a cultural and economic sector, the Valais recognizes the potential of cultural enterprises. Art and profit are no longer in opposition.