News

New business and ideas for regional distribution network emerge from Euromed Audiovisual workshop

11-07-2012

An EU-funded Euromed Audiovisual film distribution workshop concluded last week in Jordan, with new deals for Mediterranean distributors and the next steps outlined in creating a regional distribution network, according to a press release from the programme.

At the end of the day, participants brainstormed on the next steps towards a regional distribution network. “We need to stand together to better negotiate with our governments and raise awareness on the importance of the distribution sector,” said Lebanese distributor Rania Haddad.  “As distributors, we need to be coached by the Euromed Audiovisual experts in order to establish this fundamental network,” added Egyptian distributor Sahar El Sherbini. Dubai based distributor Gian Luca Chakra concluded: “For the next meeting, I think it's important to invite broadcasters and institutions to take part in the discussions.”
 
Two follow-up meetings have already been scheduled to be held during the Venice and Dubai film markets. Pascal Diot, a moderator during the two-day workshop and director of the two markets, has told Euromed Audiovisual that he is available to help create a Mediterranean distribution network. 
 
The workshop also included a presentation by Europa Cinema Mundus, a scheme created by Europa Cinemas and financed by MEDIA Mundus, to support distributors all around the world wishing to distribute European films in their countries. 
 
Three major European sales agents - Fortissimo Films, Urban Distribution and Wide - then presented their line-ups to attending Mediterranean distributors, followed by one-to-one meetings and negotiations on specific projects.
 
“I’m ready to sign several deals in the coming weeks,” said Frédéric Corvez, from Urban. “I was able to meet incredibly passionate people and to conclude deals for several films.”
 
“These meetings are extremely important, as we were able to meet sales agents on very close, friendly terms,” said Moroccan distributor Imane Mashbai. “I was able to conclude several deals for the film Road to Kabul that I’m currently distributing in Morocco.”
 
The Euromed Audiovisual III programme aims to contribute to the development and strengthening of the capacity of the film sector in the ENPI South region (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Syria, Tunisia) and to contribute significantly to mutual understanding, intercultural dialogue and cultural diversity, in line with the Strategy for the Development of Euro-Mediterranean Audiovisual Cooperation, approved by Euromed culture ministers in Athens in May 2008. (EU Neighbourhood Info)
 
Read more
 
Press release
 
Euromed Audiovisual III – fiche and news
 
Euromed Audiovisual III – website

 


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