BERLIN – A packed house at the Berlinale on Sunday witnessed a unique event hosted by Film i Väst: a curated “talent show” featuring proposals for the future of European film funding. The event, inspired by the research of Film i Väst Analysis’s ongoing project, Public Film Funding at a Crossroads, brought together industry leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. The final report of the research project is slated for release later this year.
The event wasn’t a traditional talent competition, but rather a platform for four prominent figures in European film to present concrete ideas for change. The discussion, moderated by AC Coppens from The Catalysts, aimed to foster a dynamic and forward-looking dialogue about the evolving landscape of film and audiovisual policy. The core theme revolved around “The Answers: Future Film and Audiovisual Policies – Revolution, Reforms, or Just Let it Be”, a key focus of Film i Väst Analysis’s work.
Industry Leaders Present Proposals
The “talent” presenting at the event included Anna Croneman, CEO of the Swedish Film Institute; Carlo Cresto-Dina, founder and producer at Tempesta; Juan Gordon, founder and producer at Morena Films; and Nataša Bučar, Managing Director of the Slovenian Film Center. Each presented their vision for adapting to the changing dynamics of film funding and production. The presentations were followed by feedback from a jury of industry experts, sparking a lively exchange of ideas.
The expert jury comprised Louise Vesth, a producer at Zentropa; Susan Newman-Baudais, Executive Director of the Council of Europe’s Eurimages fund; and Mia Bays, Director of the BFI Film Fund. Their combined experience offered valuable insights into the proposals presented, and helped to shape the conversation around the future of public film funding.
Film i Väst Analysis: A Focus on the Future
The event underscored the importance of ongoing analysis and strategic development within the film and audiovisual sector. Film i Väst Analysis, led by Tomas Eskilsson, Head of Analysis, specializes in industry monitoring, market analysis, and a particular focus on public film financing. Their reports analyze trends and developments, providing crucial data for policymakers and industry professionals. Eskilsson delivered a keynote address to open the event, setting the stage for the discussions that followed.
The timing of the event, coinciding with the 2025 Berlin Film Festival, was deliberate. As Eskilsson noted during the festival, some of the conclusions from the “Public Film Funding at a Crossroads” research were already being presented and discussed, signaling a growing urgency to address the challenges facing the industry. The event provided a dedicated space to delve deeper into these issues and explore potential solutions.
Navigating a Changing Landscape
The discussions at the Berlinale event highlighted the complex interplay between traditional film funding models and the rise of streaming services. The impact of streaming giants on public film funding was a central theme, reflecting a broader industry concern about maintaining diversity and supporting independent filmmaking in an increasingly competitive market. Film i Väst Analysis’s work, including reports like “Streaming Evolution: Navigating Three Years of SVOD Trends,” provides valuable insights into these evolving dynamics.
The event’s format – a “talent show” – was a deliberate attempt to inject energy and creativity into a traditionally policy-focused discussion. By framing the proposals as “talent,” Film i Väst aimed to encourage innovative thinking and a willingness to challenge conventional approaches. The goal was to move beyond simply identifying problems and towards generating actionable solutions.
The event drew approximately 250 attendees, demonstrating a strong interest in the topics being discussed. The participation of key figures from across Europe underscored the international scope of the challenges and the need for collaborative solutions. The dialogue fostered at the event is expected to inform the final report of the “Public Film Funding at a Crossroads” project, which will offer recommendations for future film and audiovisual policies.
Looking ahead, the release of the final report from Film i Väst Analysis later this year will be a key moment for the industry. The findings and recommendations are likely to spark further debate and shape the conversation around film funding for years to come. Updates on the report’s progress and release date can be found on the Film i Väst Analysis website.
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