This seminar is not just another talk about how European co-productions work. It is a hands-on exploration of how they could work, especially if they are to truly support new voices, young talent, and reach the right audiences.

Based on his new book ’The Co-Production Landscape in Europe: From Eurimages to Netflix’, which draws on a decade of research into international co-production, Petar Mitric offers concrete, practice-based insights into three essential areas for European co-productions today: what it really takes to co-produce a first feature or debut project across borders; how audience design strategies can be integrated from the earliest stages of a project; and what policy and funding challenges lie ahead for policymakers.

Drawing on collaborations with leading platforms like TorinoFilmLab, Film i Väst, MEDICI, and CEPI, the talk will not only break down how the system works but also give practical advice on how to navigate it.

Petar Mitric begins the day with an in-depth, research-driven analysis of the successes, overseen opportunities, and key challenges shaping the future of European co-productions. He is thereafter joined by Tine Fischer (Danish Film Institute), Mariusz Włodarski (producer), and Skadi Loist (film professor) for a discussion about the findings in Mitric’s book, and for the timely debate about the future of co-production and who gets to shape it.

The event concludes with the screening of one of the central case studies featured in the book, ‘The Brink of Dreams’ (the French-Egyptian-Danish co-production) by Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir from 2024, offering a concrete example of the ideas and challenges discussed.

Program

• 14:00–14:05 Welcome and introduction by the host
• 14:05–14:45 Presentation by Petar Mitric (The Co-Production Landscape in Europe)
• 14:45–15:30 Responses from the three discussants (15 minutes each):
  Tine Fischer, CEO, Danish Film Institute
  Mariusz Wlodarski, Producer, Lava Film, Poland
  Skadi Loist, Professor of Production Cultures, Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF, Germany
• 15:30–15:50 Q&A/Voices from the audience
• 15:50–16:05 Coffee break
• 16:05–17:45 Screening of The Brink of Dreams
• 17:45–19:00 Informal reception and networking

What will you learn?

Seminar participants will gain insights into:

• key challenges and opportunities in the current European co-production landscape, especially in a small-country context.
• how early-career producers and minority voices can better position their projects for co-production and funding.
• strategies for designing and engaging audiences beyond traditional marketing or algorithmic profiling.

Who should attend?

• Early-career filmmakers and producers exploring how to co-produce their first project and connect with the right audiences.
• Experienced producers curious about how audience design can strengthen international collaborations and bring new creative opportunities.
• Policymakers and funders eager to discuss potential of supporting diverse, cross-border co-productions.
• Anyone interested in European cinema — whether you work in production, distribution, festivals, or just want to better understand how films are made in Europe.

Application process

Sign up via billetto.