Attendance record at 4th German-French Film Rendez-Vous (9-11 November, 2006)

The 4th German-French Film Rendez-Vous came to a successful end on Saturday, November 11: over 370 representatives of the film industries from both countries had come to the Arri Cinema for the gathering from November 9-11.

The honorary presidents of this year's event were the directors Jan Schütte and Jean-Jacques Beineix.

Apart from discussions on topical issues (like digital cinema projection, VOD, the relationship between cinema and television…) the participants could see the progress in the collaboration between the FFA and its French counterpart CNC at first hand. The representatives of the two institutions reported on the development of the co-production treaties and the mini-traite, both important indicators for the improvement of the co-production conditions between the two countries.

Moreover, the new production cost rebate model, which comes into effect on January 1, 2007, was also a central topic of conversation. The fund aroused particular interest since it will be making Euros 60 million available per year.

16 German and French actors

For the first time this year, 16 young up-and-coming actors from both countries were introduced to the Rendez-Vous audience. The goal was to get closer to the actors and also make them known in the other country.

Those attending were:

On the German side: Sebastian Blomberg, Jens Harzer, Svea Lohde, Christoph Luser, Barnaby Metschurat, Jana Pallaske, Max Riemelt, Florian Stetter and Sabine Timoteo.

On the French side: Amira Casar, sara Forestier, Vahina Giocante, Clotilde Hesme, Joana Preiss, Yann Trégouet and Malik Zidi.

A very committed pitching session

The pitching session, an idea from last year, was avidly followed by the professional audience. 20 projects were presented by producers from both countries.

In their search for a co-producer from the other country, the producers had the opportunity to make direct contacts with potential partners.