Industry: Dutch Film in the European Ecosystem

At a time when ever-larger international players dominate the market, digital platforms prioritize reach and sensation, and audiences continue to fragment, the position of independent film is under pressure. While the mainstream market is flooded with fleeting trends and algorithm-driven content, films that seek depth—documentaries and fiction that address social urgency, tell complex stories, and place cultural diversity at their core—risk becoming marginalized. At the same time, funding is under strain, and budget cuts are looming.

In this context, international collaboration remains as important as ever. International co-production can provide financial leverage, as well as creative reinforcement and shared visibility. But what is the current position of Dutch film within the European ecosystem? And what is required from producers, filmmakers, policymakers, broadcasters, and funding bodies for the Netherlands to actively contribute to, and benefit from, a strong European network?

This panel includes Mandy Chang (filmmaker and producer), who will outline the international co-production landscape, and Youssef Louakili (Director-General of Culture and Media at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science), who will reflect on the role of national film and cultural policy. Producer Iris Lammertsma (Witfilm), NPO Director of Audio & Video Jurre Bosman, and George van Breemen (Managing Director and Board Member of the Netherlands Film Fund) will also participate in the discussion.

The programme will be in English.

Hosted by Nederlandse Audiovisuele Producenten Alliantie (NAPA) and DutchCulture.