Tallinn Industry Confab Widens Program to Highlight Next Gen of Storytellers: Head Marge Liiske Discusses This Year’s Program

As a seasoned film enthusiast with years of attending international film festivals under my belt, I can confidently say that Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event is a must-attend event for any cinephile or industry professional. The 23rd edition of this esteemed festival promises to be even more impactful and relevant than ever before, with its focus on the role of cinema in larger society at a time when we need it most.

For over two decades now, Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event continues to broaden its influence while staying true to its essence: fostering talent, showcasing Baltic cinema and television creators, and forging connections between these artists and the global film community.

Based on Marge Liiske’s statements, this year’s event will emphasize the impact of cinema within a broader societal context. In light of global transformations, the role of cinema is increasingly significant. Given the current challenges our world faces with environmental issues, social inequalities, and persistent conflicts, our films should serve as more than mere entertainment; they should inspire empathy, promote understanding, and encourage action.

Over 800 participants hailing from 47 different nations are registered for this extended eight-day event (from November 15th to the 22nd), as opposed to the regular five days, thanks to the inclusion of three additional days specifically allocated for showing short films.

The Shorts Industry Shortcut, designed for budding local, national, and global filmmakers, aims to elevate the prestige of the Tallinn Film Festival as a qualifying event for Academy Awards, BAFTA, and EFA. Simultaneously, it mirrors the concurrent development of Tallinn’s broader industry infrastructure alongside the festival, highlighting their harmonious interactions.

Among the films chosen for this year’s festival, I noticed a few titles that have previously been showcased in the industry, like “Mamifera” by Liliana Torres from Spain, which was presented earlier in San Sebastian and SXSW and will be screened at Tallinn’s Best of Fests. Additionally, there’s “Southern Chronicles” by Ignas Miškinis from Lithuania, along with “Two of Me” by the Estonian twin directors Raul and Romet Esko – these two will appear in Tallinn’s Baltic and First Film competitions respectively.

This year, the majority of our events include around 120 discussions and screenings of approximately 76 movies and TV shows. These activities are expected to lead to over 100 individual meetups.

At the TV Beat Forum, approximately forty influential figures from companies such as Disney+, Keshet International, Beta Film, Red Arrow International, and Wild Bunch will gather to view the ten television series competing for the esteemed Eurimages €50,000 ($55,000) Series Co-Production Development Award. The lineup includes “Fata Morgana,” a Hungarian revenge drama from AMC and Oble Studios, as well as the Icelandic/Danish crime series “Norröna Murders.

At the initial Screening Day on November 20th, an additional five premium TV series will be displayed, and a fresh Honorary TV Beats Producer Award will be bestowed upon Ukrainian independent producer Kateryna Vyshnevska (“Those Who Stayed”) for her significant contributions to the globalization of Film UA amidst the ongoing conflict in her nation.

Meanwhile, the MIDPOINT Series Launch, a collaborative effort between Tallinn and Gabor Krigler’s team, will showcase nine fresh projects from talent pools in Central and Eastern Europe.

During the period from November 21st to 22nd, a total of 17 projects in development from 15 different countries will be showcased on the film side, among them “Papers” by two-time Oscar nominee Arturo Montenegro. Moreover, 14 projects are seeking co-financiers and co-producers, aiming to win Eurimages’ non-repayable €20,000 ($21,000) Co-production Development Award. Notably, children and youth films will be included in this segment for the first time.

As a cinephile, I’m all about breaking down barriers – no segregation between kids’ flicks, teen dramas, and adult movies! My goal is to celebrate diversity in every aspect, from formats to genres, catering to audiences of all ages. That’s the vision I stand by!

During its 10th anniversary this year, the highly acclaimed European Genre Forum will highlight eight emerging films from eight different European countries. These projects are competing for the first time for a €25,000 ($26,400) post-production award, kindly provided by ATM Virtual.

Discussing her 2024 product lineup, Liiske, who’s been in charge of Tallinn & Industry at Baltic Event for the last 11 years, noted that the substantial Eurimages film and series awards have played a significant role in drawing high-caliber projects. Moreover, the competition for funding from public resources and broadcasters has become more intense, regardless of the co-production market. This increased competition, she suggested, has essentially established a self-regulating process.

Collaborative productions, whether primarily or partially controlled by other countries, hold significant value for smaller Baltic nations at this point. This is because foreign investors can access the attractive 30% local tax incentives. These rebates can be combined with local government funding for feature films, a point emphasized in her argument.

Regarding Germany, a significant European nation that has reduced collaborative film productions with the Baltics in recent times, Liiske posits this as an ideal moment to explore “why”. This occasion will also provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the present national and regional funding landscape, along with upcoming reforms to the German Federal Film Board (FFA) that Bérénice Honold, advisor to the CEO for international and European affairs at the FFA, will discuss on stage on November 21st. Liiske emphasizes that over forty producers and fund representatives will be present, and they are optimistic that this event will serve as a catalyst to revitalize our partnerships.

One of the key foundations for Tallinn@Industry & Baltic Event is nurturing the upcoming generation of artists and creators. This year brings a fresh wave of initiatives to this end. For screenwriters, there’s the Discovery Campus through Script Pool Project, and for musicians, actors, cinematographers, and production designers as well. Additionally, 13 up-and-coming distributors from small to medium markets will participate in the intensive five-day Tallinn Industry Academy, a joint effort with Locarno Pro. Furthermore, 13 aspiring producers will be part of the Breaking Into the Industry: Mentorship Programme for Aspiring Producers.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to be part of the pioneering Generative AI Atelier, a unique project jointly designed by the innovative minds at the Generative AI team and Creative Europe Media’s Storytek Innovation lab. This extraordinary opportunity offers me mentorship and training alongside 11 other participants, as we delve into the fascinating world of AI and storytelling.

As the highly anticipated industry event was about to begin, Tallinn’s primary Nordic Hotel Forum venue was already bustling with professionals and festival attendees. Liiske commented, “Our venue has reached its maximum capacity, but we have no intention of relocating because both industry and festival guests appreciate this central gathering spot.” Additionally, she emphasized the significant financial support derived from accreditation fees, which account for approximately €450,000 in her budget. This amount is supported by 70% from EU-Creative Europe Media local funds, with the remaining 30% coming from other EU and local sources.

By 2025, we anticipate that inflation will significantly increase, leading our government to make additional reductions. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that European Union support remains consistent.

Simultaneously, at another venue of Kultuurikate Tallinn, the EU-backed Industry Innovation Forum Tallinn 2024, marking its 10th anniversary, is set to host over ten heads of EU governments, NGOs, top tech leaders, and innovation specialists. These influential figures will engage in discussions about the European media and content industries at a critical juncture. It’s time for Europe to demonstrate strength and unity.

2024-11-15 16:47

Tallinn Industry Confab Widens Program to Highlight Next Gen of Storytellers: Head Marge Liiske Discusses This Year’s Program

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