20/06/2014 - For three days, Barcelona became the European capital of cinema distribution and exhibition

From last Monday until yesterday Thursday 19 June, Barcelona became the European capital of cinema distribution and exhibition thanks to the celebration of CineEurope. Over four days, the Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB) hosted the screening of the biggest movie releases of the coming months, various technical seminars and the Trade Show, an exhibition dedicated to presenting the latest services news for movie theatres.

The round of conferences held at the event dealt with various themes, such as new opportunities for cinema ticket sales, marketing and promotion on social networks and new programming strategies. Participating in the conferences were professionals like Mark de Quervain (Action Marketing Works), Vanessa Bakewell (Facebook), Andy Edge (Odeon United Kingdom), Fernando Évole (Yelmo Cines), Paul Heth (Karo Film), John Tonnes (Nordisk Film Cinemas) and Nico Simon (Utopia Group, Europa Cinemas).

Spanish José Batlle received the UNIC Achievement Award for his contribution to cinema exhibition. Battlé is the former CEO of Cinesa and, in the words of Philip Clap, president of UNIC, “(Pepe) has significantly shaped our industry over the past three decades, contributing to the development of incredible theatres all over Europe.”

That was not the only prize awarded, as Germany’s Constantin Film took home the Independent Film Award, while Duncan Clark, president of Universal, was selected as Distributor of the Year and Alan McNair, deputy CEO of British Vue Entertainment, Exhibitor of the Year.

CineEurope was organised by Prometheus Global Media, owner of trade magazines like Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter and CineAsia. In addition, CineEurope is the general assembly of the International Union of Cinemas (UNIC).

(Translated from Spanish)