18/12/2024 - The market has unveiled bold innovations, including a new Distributor Award, an Innovation Hub, expanded inclusivity efforts and a Spanish spotlight

Under the new direction of Tanja Meissner, the European Film Market (EFM) will open its doors from 13-19 February 2025. According to the organisers, the marketplace is set to be highly dynamic in its role as a hub for major players and stakeholders, with exhibition spaces already fully booked two months ahead of the festival.

On 12 February, the inaugural EFM Distributor Award will be presented during the market’s opening ceremony. Designed to highlight the central role of European arthouse distribution and its contribution to cultural diversity, the award includes a cash prize of €7,500. A three-member jury composed of distinguished industry professionals will oversee the selection process.

The 2025 EFM will also introduce the Innovation Hub, a new addition located on an entire floor of the Gropius Bau. Devoted to technological advancements and AI-based solutions in production, the hub will showcase cutting-edge tools and innovations spanning from screenwriting to distribution. It will include a tech-orientated exhibitor area, interactive panels and hands-on workshops exclusively accessible to Market Badge holders. Realised in partnership with Microsoft, Largo.ai, Vimeo, Publikum.io, the Film Commission Region Stuttgart, the Animationsinstitut of the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg and selected start-ups, the space emphasises the industry’s commitment to creativity and transformation.

“The main focus lies on providing EFM participants with a highly efficient infrastructure, and on creating opportunities for business and networking,” stated EFM director Tanja Meissner. “I see ourselves as ambassadors and facilitators for the industry to emerge stronger from a dynamic market. While our costs have risen, it was imperative to keep competitive prices for our clients who also work on reduced budgets. While the marketplace for licensing, packaging and distribution is central, we also need to explore sustainable business models, enhanced communication and the power of community-building to promote diversity, emerging talent and knowledge sharing. Specifically for this purpose, we have created daily networking formats, such as the new ‘Breakfast Club’ and the ‘Happy Innovation Hour’ on the second floor of the Gropius Bau.”

Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle echoed this vision, adding: “I’m so excited about the work that Tanja and her team are doing to make it easier for people to do business in Berlin. A strong Berlinale means getting the market and the audience festival to work more closely in tandem, and we are fully committed to developing these synergies over the next few years.”

The DocSalon will return as a key networking platform for the documentary film community from 14-18 February, featuring curated sessions sponsored by FilmFernsehFonds Bayern. Programming will address pertinent issues from production to distribution, as well as exclusive consultation opportunities with leading documentary industry experts. Simultaneously, the EFM Industry Sessions will provide in-depth content, including master classes, case studies, workshops and the Female Summit, which focuses on equality, networking and career advancement for female executives.

Now in its 11th year, the Berlinale Series Market will celebrate the breadth of global series production, highlighting around 15 shows with strong market potential. Through exclusive previews, showcases and a robust conference programme, the platform will spotlight trends and innovations. Notably, the 2025 edition introduces Reel Time, providing buyers with access to exclusive promo reels of ongoing productions.

Spain will take centre stage as the 2025 EFM “Country in Focus” (see the news). Renowned for its production diversity, creative prowess and technological expertise, Spain’s film industry aligns closely with the EFM’s priorities of innovation and emerging trends.

The EFM Toolbox, part of the Diversity & Inclusion Initiative, will also return. Supported by the Creative Europe – MEDIA programme, Canada Media Fund and Hessen Film & Medien, this initiative provides tools and networking resources aimed at integrating filmmakers and producers from underrepresented groups and the Global South into the international market.

Expanding on its inaugural success, AfroBerlin will return with a two-day programme focusing on African film and music intersections through the Afro Music Film Day. A new addition, the African Pavilion at the Marriott Hotel, will complement the AfroBerlin conference by establishing a central business hub.

The 2025 edition follows the creation of Berlinale Pro*, a newly formed consortium that brings together the European Film Market, Berlinale Talents, the Berlinale Co-Production Market and the World Cinema Fund under a unified strategic framework.