15th Annual International Film Finance Forum
Friday, May 16th
2:00pm - 6:00pm
Main Stage, Palais des Festivals
Part 1
2:00pm - 2:15pm
WELCOME ADDRESS
Amy Baker - CEO & Co-Founder, Winston Baker
Charles Rivkin - Chairman and CEO, Motion Picture Association (MPA)
2:15pm – 3:00pm
STATE OF THE INDUSTRY; STATE OF FINANCE
The entertainment landscape is changing fast. How do filmmakers, producers, and financiers keep up - and maybe more importantly, stay ahead?
This powerhouse panel breaks down the biggest shifts in Film & Television today -
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Shifting financial strategies – The growing synergy between U.S. private equity and European soft money.
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Navigating disruption – How top industry leaders are turning their challenges into opportunities.
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The rise of AI - How technology is revolutionizing storytelling and productions.
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The boom in international co-productions - Why cross-border partnerships are the future of content.
Don’t miss this deep dive into the trends shaping the business today - and what’s next on the horizon.
MODERATOR:
TBA
PANELISTS:
Jon Gosier - Founder and CEO, FilmHedge
Christopher Woodrow - Founder and Chairman, Media Capital Technologies (MCT)
Sonia Mehandjiyska - Head of International Distribution, Electric Entertainment
Paula Paizes - Chief Operating Officer and President of Production, Pressman Film
3:00pm – 3:30pm
NAVIGATING THE GLOBAL LANDSCAPE OF TAX CREDITS AND INCENTIVES IN FILM
Join us for an insightful discussion as industry experts explore the evolving global landscape of tax credits and incentives available to filmmakers. This session will delve into how different regions are leveraging these financial tools to stimulate film production and attract international projects and compare European and Middle Eastern incentive structures. Our panelists will share their experiences, highlight successful case studies, and provide actionable insights on how filmmakers can effectively navigate these opportunities to maximize their projects' potential.
PANELISTS:
Giammarco Cottani - Founder & Managing Partner, NOEMA Global
Jeaneane Davey, Tax and Production Incentives Professional
3:30pm – 4:15pm
INDEPENDENT GREENLIGHT: THE METHOD BEHIND THE MADNESS
In today’s evolving film economy, getting an independent film greenlit is more complex—and more creative—than ever. This panel brings together key decision makers across finance, sales, production, and creative to demystify what the greenlight process really looks like outside the studio syst
CINEQUEST FILM & CREATIVITY FESTIVAL
COMBINES INNOVATION AND THE ARTS WITH 2024 THEME “UPLIFT”
March 7-17, Silicon Valley
SILICON VALLEY — The Cinequest Film & Creative Festival returns this March 6-17th promising an extraordinary cinematic experience that merges the worlds of storytelling and technology. Returning to its palatial San Jose venues and flagship time of year, the program is a testament to Cinequest's 2024 theme of "Uplift" through the potent combination of innovation, the arts, and community.
Continuing its commitment to showcasing the latest and greatest film artists, Cinequest will unveil 217 films from 37 countries — chock-full of comedies, inspiring artistry, and diversity of culture and thought. Cinequest’s groundbreaking AI Town Hall (launching the festivities on March 6th) will bring AI luminaries together with San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, to address the powers and mitigate the pitfalls of AI for communities and the world of creativity. Cinequest opens its lineup of World and U.S. Premieres with the invigorating thriller The Island Between Tides and closes with Maverick Spirit Award recipient Matthew Modine’s Hard Miles. Cinequest’s Silent Cinema Event will present Douglas Fairbank’s The Mark of Zorro and Buster Keaton's Our Hospitality, accompanied by the breathtaking music of organist Dennis James. Creativity further uplifts before screenings via comedians, dancers, and poets.
Cinequest Festivals, a dynamic blend of both in-person and virtual celebrations, have been steadfast beacons of joy and affirmation for individuals and entire communities. Cinequest fans can enjoy selections from the festival from the comfort of their homes immediately following the festival on Cinequest’s virtual platform, Cinejoy from March 21-31st. Cinejoy continues to evolve beyond a film festival that streams movies to an experience that translates the fun, excitement, and power of live film events to global audiences online. In addition to online screenings available to stream 24/7 during the event, Cinejoy will include live spotlight events, interactive passports, group share, and screening party experiences.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Cinequest AI Town Hall: Preceding the festival, on March 6th at the Hammer Theatre, Cinequest hosts a meeting of the minds, politicians, and creatives to tackle the opportunities as well as the potential issues of AI for communities. It’s fitting that Cinequest, a trusted organization, would host a seminal gathering in the epicenter of AI, the Silicon Valley, and expand the conversation beyond the normal approach of mainstream media. A keynote address will precede two forums: 1) “The Good, Bad, and Ugly of AI — What Communities and Policymakers Need to Know, Address, and Utilize in the Realm of AI&am