After rumours that it may have been cancelled, which were soon retracted (see news), the MIA – International Audiovisual Market will be back in its third edition in Rome from 19 to 23 October 2017, organised by ANICA (the Italian National Association of Film and Audiovisual Industries) and APT (the Italian Association of Television Producers).

An event exclusively for producers and distributors of cross-border content, film and television series, with a special focus on top-quality Italian products, the MIA, which in previous editions pulled in some 1500 accredited professionals from 58 countries, will this year take place in the “district” of Piazza Barberini, between Palazzo Barberini, the Hotel Bernini Bristol and the Barberini Cinema, with an all-new slogan: Matching Excellence.

The 2017 edition will be broken down into three sections: MIACINEMA, a co-production market which has supported over 50% of the projects selected in previous editions right up to the production stages and a platform where professionals can see and purchase the latest independent film productions, with 120 screenings over four days, as well as the What’s Next Italy section, which showcases titles still being made. Then there’s MIATV, a global television industry event which encourages networking along with the fostering of agreements and new business opportunities; one of the most eagerly anticipated features is the second edition of the Drama Series Pitching Forum and, for the first time, the Italian TV Upfront event. Last but not least, there’s MIA DOC,a platform which supports the co-production and distribution of documentaries and factual films. The theme of the MIA DOC Co-production Market & Pitching Forum for 2017 is investigative journalism, current affairs and human interest.

MIA 2017 will also be bringing back a few special events: YAS (Young Adult Spotlight), which straddles both film and TV with kids/teens and young adult products in various stages of development, with pitches, panel discussions, market screenings and premieres. This year YAS will focus on graphic novels. Another special section will be dedicated to animation.

Turning to the awards, the Eurimages Fund will, for the third year running, award the Award for Best MIA Cinema Project. But MIA 2017 will also introduce a new award: the MIA EDI Visionary Award for film and audiovisual producers. Backed by EDI Effetti Digitali Italiani (a leader in the VFX sector), the Visionary Award will be given to the project that stands out for its innovative storytelling through the effective use of visual effects. The prize comes with €15,000 in post-production and visual effects services.

Other events that will be held at the MIA include the 6th edition of the Carlo Bixio Award, aimed at young writers (between 18 and 30) of series with no limits on genre. 

The MIA is funded by the Italian Ministry for Economic Development, the Italian Trade Agency, the Italian Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism, the Lazio Region, and by the MEDIA programme. Other partners include the Fondazione Cinema per Roma and the Eurimages Fund of the Council of Europe.