To strengthen the collaboration between independent distributors and producers, Europa Distribution and the Venice Production Bridge will co-host a working session on Sunday 31 August, in collaboration with ACE Producers, EAVE and the European Producers Club. Marking the third year of this partnership, the event will feature exclusive roundtable discussions between Europa Distribution members and producers of all three associations and participation in key industry activities organised by both the Venice Production Bridge and the Venice International Film Festival.

Accessible by invitation only, the roundtable session, titled “From stories to screens - working session for independent film distributors and producers on effective collaboration and successful audience engagement” is an invitation-only event designed to foster closer ties between independent producers and distributors. The goal is to foster more effective workflows and amplify the visibility of European independent films, ensuring they reach and resonate with wider audiences across the globe.

The session will open with a welcome address by Pascal Diot from the Venice Production Bridge, co-organiser of the event alongside Europa Distribution. This will be followed by a brief presentation of the four organisations represented by the participants: Europa Distribution, EAVE, ACE Producers, and the European Producers Club.

Distributors and producers will break into smaller groups for a brainstorming session. Participants will discuss together shared interests and challenges spanning the entire lifecycle of a film. The exchange will enable both groups to better understand each other’s needs and limitations, fostering a better understanding of the work done by each and a deeper appreciation of their respective roles.  Discussions will focus on practical improvements to enhance interactions and best practices, develop new connections, and encourage collaboration between distributors and producers to better bridge stories with audiences.  In each group, facilitators will help structure the discussion, and make sure everyone has the possibility to share. At the end of the session, participants will present and discuss the key outcomes from their group discussions.

As part of the collaboration between Europa Distribution and the Venice Production Bridge, distributors will engage in a variety of additional activities during the Venice Biennale. These include attending work-in-progress presentations, industry screenings, meetings and networking events, further enhancing their involvement in the festival’s vibrant programme.

Europa Distribution has a series of workshops and events tailored for distributors and film industry professionals in the pipeline. The international network’s next event will be organised in partnership with the San Sebastian International Film Festival, and will take place from 21-25 September, where distributors will gather for a closed workshop on script-analysis and a working session with sales agents, members of Europa International. Additionally, Europa Distribution has recently launched the latest editions of its mentorship and exchange programmes, furthering its dedication to supporting and enhancing the film publishing and distribution landscape, and the circulation of European films.