29/07/2010

The ARP (Civil Society of Writers-Directors-Producers) has unveiled a pre-programme for the 20th edition of its Film Meetings, to be held from October 21-23, 2010 in Dijon. Presided this year by Bertrand Tavernier, the event will bring together almost 600 European and US professionals, political leaders and representatives of the regulatory authorities, for an in-depth analysis of the changes and prospects in the film sector.

The four debates in the line-up will first of all tackle the subject What is a movie theatre in the digital age? with an overview of the opportunities and dangers of this development, and discussions about the possibility of regulations so as not to devalue films in theatres. Participants will also discuss programming commitments, alternative programmes, as well as the 3D boom and the sharing of takings resulting from this phenomenon.

The next topic explored will be How can public cultural policies be modernised?, an issue that includes the harmonisation of European tax systems relating in particular to audiovisual content, the development prospects of the MEDIA programme and the future of policies on state subsidies (at the level of EU states and regional authorities).

Finally, a topic entitled Cultural diversity and neutrality of the Net: a new “e-deal”? will give rise to two successive debates: The convergence of screens: towards a convergence of obligations? and Do exclusive rights still mean anything?. These questions are closely related to the future of film financing and will no doubt attract leading professionals to Dijon as usual for the Film Meetings led by Radu Mihaileanu and Florence Gastaud, president and delegate general of ARP, respectively.

(Translated from French)