"European Distributors: Up Next!" to improve circulation of European films
"European Distributors: Up Next!" to improve circulation of European films
EFP and the San Sebastian International Film Festival
continue programme for European Distributors
09/07/2009
After a successful launch of “European Distributors: Up Next!” in 2008, European Film Promotion (EFP) and the San Sebastian International Film Festival continue to support emerging European distributors at this year´s festival between September 18 – 21. The aim of the programme is to improve the circulation of European films within Europe and to intensify the networking between distributors and sales agents. The majority of European films still do not find their way into the cinemas outside of their home territories.
This year, the focus is set on independent distributors from smaller European countries which are faced with a similar distribution situation. Selected by EFP's associated members and the San Sebastian International Film Festival, eight distributors will be invited to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the market as well as national specialities and further possibilities of theatrical distribution. In addition, “European Distributors: Up Next!” will cooperate with Europa Distribution.
Financial backing comes from the MEDIA Programme of the European Union. As a media partner, the international trade magazine Variety will highlight the contribution of the selected distributors to independent cinema.
Selected “European Distributors: Up Next!” 2009
Country Name Company
Belgium Annemie Degryse Lumière
Finland Peter Toiviainen Sandrew Metronome
FYR of Macedonia Tatjana Curcinska Pepeljugoska Manakifilm
Iceland Isleifur Thorhallsson Green Light Films
Ireland Siobhán Farrell Eclipse Pictures
Norway Kjetil Omberg Euforia
Portugal Gil Santos Ecofilmes
Serbia Zoran Stanković MegaCom Film
The EFP member organizations associated with the initiative are:
Film Center Serbia, Finnish Film Foundation, Flanders Image, ICA Portugal, Icelandic Film Centre, Irish Film Board, Macedonian Film Fund, Norwegian Film Institute.
Contact
European Film Promotion
Jo Mühlberger (General enquiries)
Project Manager
phone +49 40 390 6252
Email: muehlberger@efp-online.com
Mareen Gerisch
Press Relations Manager
phone +49 40 390 6252
Email: gerisch@efp-online.com
San Sebastian International Film Festival
Saioa Riba (General enquiries)
Head of Sales Office
Phone +34 943 48 12 17
Email: salesoffice@sansebastianfestival.com
Gemma Beltrán
Head of Foreign Press
Phone +34 943 48 12 12
Email: press@sansebastianfestival.com
EFP is supported by the MEDIA Programme of the European Union and its member organisations. In addition, promotion and PR activities are backed by the Centre National de la Cinématographie (CNC). ”European Distributors: Up Next!”, moreover, is supported by the San Sebastian International Film Festival and Variety. The Hamburg-based office is financially supported by the German Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media and the Department for Culture, Sports and Media of the City of Hamburg.
