Documentary film at centre of discussions
After the issue of promoting and distributing Belgian Francophone features was tackled in depth at Namur in October, documentaries were the focal point of discussions on Thursday, November 12. Professionals from the sector turned out in force at the invitation of the Film and Audiovisual Centre, who wanted to analyse the current situation regarding the visibility and circulation of documentaries in French-speaking Belgium.
For a long time, the main concern among professionals and the authorities was production, and even though there is still room for improvement, numerous efforts have already been made in this area. The major challenge today is access to audiences.
In an economic situation characterised by constraints and budget stagnation, it is difficult to focus on a massive communications campaign aimed at the general public, especially as the television industry in Francophone Belgium offers few broadcasting windows.
Indeed, we seem to be moving towards a local approach, building and consolidating a network of stakeholders on the ground, who strive daily to identify and attract niche audiences, and maximise the long-tail potential of documentary works. It is thus a matter of increasing target audiences, by catering to viewers at local cultural centres, multimedia libraries, and schools, which are a rich but under-exploited breeding ground for young audiences.
Professional associations were invited to speak and talked about their concerns (in particular their frustration at not having more broadcasting opportunities on public television, and their fears regarding the identity as well as physical integrity of documentary works), but also about the actions they are spearheading in the sector, sources of inspiration, and working foundations for the immediate future.
The Film Centre was able to provide answers to some of these questions (in particular via increased funding for the development and finishing stages), and pledged to promptly confirm previously-announced measures.
(Translated from French)
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