On Sunday 6 September, Europa Distribution and the Venice Production Bridge (3-9 September) will co-host the fourth edition of their working session to strengthen the collaboration between independent distributors and producers, in collaboration with ACE Producers, EAVE and the European Producers Club. The event will again feature exclusive round-table discussions between Europa Distribution members and producers of all three associations, and will enable participation in key industry activities organised by both the Venice Production Bridge and the Venice International Film Festival (2-12 September).

The round-table session, titled “New Paths to Audiences: Strengthening Collaboration Between Independent Film Distributors and Producers”, is an invitation-only event designed to foster closer ties between independent producers and distributors. The aim is to promote more effective workflows whilst increasing the visibility of European independent films, and ensuring that they reach and engage a wider audience across the globe.

The session will open with a welcome address by Pascal Diot, head of 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. Next, Thierry Hugot, programme manager and financial controller at Eurimages, will give a brief presentation about Eurimages’ Film Marketing & Audience Development Support Programme (FMADS).

After the presentations, distributors and producers will break into smaller groups for a brainstorming session. Participants will get together to discuss 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, forge new connections, and encourage collaboration between distributors and producers to better bridge stories with audiences. In each group, facilitators will help structure the discussion, making sure everyone has the chance to participate actively. At the end of the session, participants will present and discuss the key outcomes from their group discussions. Again, this session is accessible by invitation only.

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 Sebastián International Film Festival, and will take place from 20-24 September, where distributors will gather for a closed workshop on audience design and a working session with sales agents that are members of Europa International. Additionally, Europa Distribution has recently launched the latest editions of its mentorship programme, furthering its dedication to supporting and strengthening the position of women in the distribution landscape as well as the circulation of European films.

Articles on all of Europa Distribution’s events are published on its social media and press lounge – click here for more information.

For further details about the presence of Europa Distribution in Venice, please contact: [email protected]