22/09/2006

As part of the German-French Film Academy – which was founded in June 2000 by then Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and French President Jacques Chirac – representatives of the German and French film industries launched the German-French Film Rendezvous to intensify exchanges between the two countries.

This year's Rendezvous will be held in Munich. Support for the event comes from the Centre National de la Cinématographie, FFA, Unifrance,German Films, FilmFernsehFonds Bayern, the City of Munich, ARRI, Bavaria and several regional public funds in Germany and France.

On the evening of November 9, Véronique Cayla (CNC) and Peter Dinges (FFA) will open the fourth Film Rendezvous, which will be attended by leading producers, directors and other industry figures. Various panels will offer participants the opportunity to discuss the various problems and possibilities in both countries.

The focus will be on creating co-productions, the press and marketing strategies for the release of films in both countries, while discussion will also centre on the consequences of digital developments for projection in cinemas, as well as new exhibition possibilities (Video on Demand) for feature films.

On November 10, Film Rendezvous participants will dine at the Emperor’s Residence on the invitation of Bavarian Prime Minister Dr. Edmund Stoiber.

The following day, after the conference has ended, participants will have an opportunity to see ARRI's new digital camera and visit the Bavaria Studios. In the evening, they may also attend the opening of the Ballet Week in the opera house.

The German-French Film Rendezvous association is headed by Margaret Menegoz (president of Unifrance and managing director of Les Films du Losange), with vice-presidents Kirsten Niehuus (managing director of Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg) and Peter Sehr (director and producer of P'Artisan Filmproduktion ).