This article examines the new cinemas, film cultures and discourses emerging from
three of the film-producing nations most adversely affected by the Eurozone crisis.
Through case studies arising from Portugal, Greece and Spain, the article explores the
enhanced visibility of independent film-making at a time in which the role and the
very survival of the state-subsidized film industries in recession Europe has been
crucially thrown into question. This comparative analysis suggests, conversely, the
cyclical nature of the discourse of crisis and explores the creative responses mobilized
by European cinema.