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What the F*** is International Potential?

Welcome to a session where we’re trying to unveil the truths, lies and myths about how to make it as an international filmmaker.

Fri 28.08 11:00 - 16:00

Tancred

Film Industry Buy tickets

Members of the Norwegian Film Academy can pick up free tickets in the ticket counter at Cinemateket.

What makes a film internationally relevant? Is there a distinctly European way of thinking about international potential, and how does it differ from the American perspective? And what can the Nordic countries learn from each other?

This afternoon brings together leading festival representatives, journalists and film industry professionals from Europe and the United States to explore how films are developed, positioned and understood beyond their home markets.

Through the day, we will examine international potential for Norwegian and Nordic films, and ask what role international ambition should play in the national film policy.

Practical information

Date and time: Friday, 28.08 at 11.00

Place: Cinemateket in Oslo

Tickets: Free entry for members of the Norwegian Film Academy. Members can pick up free tickets in the ticket counter at Cinemateket. Read more about membership here. 100,- for non-members.

The event will be in English.

Program

11:00to 11:15

Opening

Introduction by the Norwegian Film Academy

An introduction to the key questions of the day and the discussions ahead.

11:15to 12:00

The European Way

What does “international potential” mean from a European perspective? How do major European festivals and international industry players identify films that can travel across borders? What are the role of the festivals, and what are the main challenges for local filmmakers with international ambitions in today’s volatile market?

Paolo Bertolin (Venice Film Festival), Sarah Lutton (London Film Festival) and Sofia Sklavou from Beta Cinema will discuss the European perspective on international potential.

Moderator: Silje Riise Næss

12:00to 12:15

Short Break

12:15to 13:00

The Norwegian, the Swede and the Dane

Three leading Nordic film journalists discuss the similarities and differences between Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Where do Norwegian, Swedish and Danish cinema stand today? What is distinctive about each country’s film culture and industry? What can the Nordic countries learn from one another? Does Norway have something the other countries do not, and if so, what is it?

Christian Monggaard, journalist, Information
Hynek Pallas, journalist, Svenska Dagbladet
Kjetil Lismoen, journalist and participating moderator, Rushprint

13:00to 14:00

Lunch Break

14:00to 14:45

The American Way

How does the American film industry approach and identify international potential in European cinema? What makes a European film stand out in the American marketplace? What role does Sundance Film Festival play in today’s market? What can European filmmakers learn from the American way of thinking about audiences, positioning and global reach? And what does European filmmakers bring to the table?

Heidi Zwicker (Sundance Film Festival) and Scott Roxborough (The Hollywood Reporter) discuss the American perspective on discovering, championing and exporting European films and filmmakers.

Moderator: Silje Riise Næss

14:45to 15:00

Short Break

15:00to 15:45

What the F*** Is International Potential?

A concluding conversation bringing together perspectives from throughout the day.

What do we actually mean when we talk about a film’s “international potential”? Can it be identified, developed or measured? How much should filmmakers and producers be thinking about international audiences? And how important should international potential be in national film policy and public funding decisions?

The panel brings together Kjetil Omberg (Director of Audience Engagement and Positioning at NFI), Norwegian producers Synnøve Hørsdal (Maipo Film) and Maria Ekerhovd (Mer Film), together with selected participants from earlier sessions.

Moderators: Silje Riise Næss and Kjetil Lismoen

15:45to 16:00

Q&A

A final opportunity for questions from the audience, followed by a brief summary and closing remarks.

The event is a collaboration between the Norwegian Film Academy, Talent Norge and Oslo Pix Film Festival, with support from the Norwegian Film Institute and Produsentforeningen.