Industry: Take on Film & Impact – Inspirational Morning

How can films on social issues do more than just raise awareness? Are you a filmmaker looking for the formula to take your film to the next level? Join this morning session on creating impact campaigns that drive social change and get inspired!

Key figures from the film and impact industry will present case studies, participate in panel discussions, and share their insights into the world of impact.

Know Your Rights: The Power of Clear Contracts in Impact Distribution by Sarah Mosses (Together Films)

Sarah Mosses, Founder & CEO of Together Films, the leading impact marketing and sales company, unpacks the critical role of contracts in maximizing the reach and success of impact-driven films. From navigating legal language to securing fair distribution deals, this session will provide filmmakers with the knowledge they need to protect their work, align with partners, and drive meaningful change. Whether you’re negotiating with sales agents, funders, or exhibitors, understanding your rights is essential for a successful impact campaign.

Building Audiences for Impact: From Engagement to Action by Paul Rieth (Get your Crowd)

How do you move an audience from interest to active participation? This session explores fresh and creative ways to build meaningful connections and encourage engagement. We’ll walk through audience design with a six-step framework—from shaping a clear vision to identifying the right audience and planning effective outreach. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, this session offers adaptable insights to help expand your reach and make a lasting impact for your project.

WHY FREEDOM? Global campaign and impact over time by Mathilde Kirstein (The Why Foundation)

THE WHY is excited to unveil its upcoming global campaign, WHY FREEDOM?

Drawing on the success of previous campaigns and years of experience in impact work, the session focuses on one documentary, exploring short and long-term impact methods put in place to ignite important conversations and drive lasting change.

Case Study: Peace for Nina, by director Jeanne Dovhynch

In a country at war, Nina, a Ukrainian mother fights for justice after her son’s execution by a Russian soldier. What began as Nina’s quest for accountability took on new meaning after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, reshaping both the film and its impact campaign. Through personal testimony and documentary footage, Peace for Nina explores the struggle for recognition in the face of impunity. In this case study, filmmaker Jeanne Dovhynch reflects on how the evolving conflict transformed the story—and the fight for justice itself.

How to run impact distribution for a feature film. “Bride Kidnapping” case study by Alternativa Film Project
Liza Surganova, Head of Alternativa Film Project
Masha Shcherbakova, Impact Distribution Manager at Alternativa Film Project

Alternativa Film Project shares a case study on the impact distribution of the Kyrgyz film Bride Kidnapping, addressing gender-based violence. This session examines how meaningful impact can still be achieved even when planning starts after a film’s completion—especially when a feature film highlights a pressing local issue. The discussion will explore impact distribution strategies, audience engagement approaches, and the power of community-driven action in creating lasting change.

KURAK – project by producers Katerian Tarbo-Ignatenko and Pavel Feldman

The film “Kurak, represents a milestone Europe-Kyrgyzstan co-production – the first in two decades – and stands as the largest Central Asian co-production to date in terms of participating countries. Directed by Erke Dzhumakmatova and Emil Atageldiev, “Kurak” weaves multiple narratives centered on women facing systemic abuse, including a webcam model blackmailed by law enforcement, a mother seeking justice for her daughter’s suicide after assault by a politician’s son, and a journalist fighting to expose these crimes. The film incorporates real news footage to underscore its ripped-from-headlines authenticity.
The multinational production is staged through Dzhumakmatova’s Studio Oymo (Kyrgyzstan), with key producers including Kairat Birimkulov for Switzerland’s KBP, Katerina Tarbo-Ignatenko for France/Serbia’s Spirito Libero, Pavel Feldman for the Netherlands’ Human Films, and Alexandra Hoesdorff for Luxembourg’s Deal Productions. Additional co-producers include Milos Djukelic (Red Art Workshop, Serbia), Paolo Maria Spina (Revolver, Italy) and Johann Chapelan (Girelle Production, France). Philippines-based firm Fire and Ice, led by Liza Diño-Seguerra, handles its Asian rights. The pic, currently in post-production, will be completed and ready to hit the festival circuit from late spring.

Funding Impact: Navigating the Changing Landscape of Documentary Financing

How can filmmakers continue telling urgent stories in an increasingly complex funding landscape? This panel, moderated by Vivian Schröder (The Good Media Network, DE), will bring together Emilien Schenker (The Storyboard Collective, CH), Thea Berry (Together Films, UK) Gerry Leonard (Working Films, US) to explore the challenges and opportunities of impact funding within the current political landscape.

This discussion will delve into the realities of funding: What are funders looking for? How can filmmakers access support beyond traditional grants? And how do we ensure vital stories are heard, even in challenging political climates?