The Finnish Film Foundation supports and promotes the Finnish film industry by funding professional film production and the exhibition and distribution of films. The Foundation is also responsible for the cultural export of Finnish film and provides support for the international promotion of Finnish films. The Finnish Film Foundation receives its funding through the Ministry of Education and Culture from lottery and pools funds allocated for promoting film art. The Foundation was founded in 1969 as an independent foundation operating under the supervision of the Department for Cultural Policy of the Ministry of Education and Culture. In granting support, the Foundation is guided by the State Aid Act, The Film Promotion Act and Decree as well as the European Commission notification on state funding for film.