On Friday 11 April, Europa Distribution will hold the closing session for the fifth edition of their mentorship programme EDMentorShe in Brussels. The closing session will bring together eight pairs of women working in distribution, allowing all the participants to finally meet in person, in order to share and exchange ideas and feedbacks on their experiences as mentors and mentees.

The mentorship programme first began in 2020 with the aim of addressing a better female representation in management and leadership positions in the world of independent film distribution – a sector very much unbalanced otherwise. The idea consists of pairing a more junior woman in distribution with an experienced mentor to share experiences, career advice, challenges, and professional goals. The pairs for this fifth edition were first introduced during summer 2024 and have continued to meet online (or in person at festivals, if possible) over the past 9 months, discussing a wide range of topics and competencies, which vary depending on the needs of the mentees and the internal structure established by the pair. This workshop presents a wonderful opportunity for all of the women involved in the programme to share and learn from one another, while also expanding their professional network. This year’s programme brings together women from countries as diverse as Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Norway, Poland and The Netherlands.

In the coming months, Europa Distribution will continue its discussions on the unique challenges faced in the circulation, release and promotion of independent European films. Europa Distribution will hold a panel and lab focusing on Asian releases in the scope of Focus Asia, Udine, from 28 – 30 April. The renewed partnership with the Annecy International Animation Film Festival will enable them to host a working session on the distribution and exhibition of animation films across diverse regions together with CICAE - International Confederation of Arthouse Cinemas. And of course, the next edition of the mentorship programme. The call has already been launched.