Written by Shona Smith on Feb 10, 2020. Posted in Awards and Festivals

TLG talks to EFM Director Matthijs Wouter Knol about the 2020 'Chile in Focus' programme

Chile is the 'Country in Focus' at the European Film Market 2020, taking place in Berlin from the 20 – 27 February. TLG talks to EFM Director Matthijs Wouter about the programme.

Why is Chile the 'Country in Focus' at EFM 2020?

(c) Angela Regenbrecht

"Chile's presence at the EFM and other Berlinale industry initiatives – as well as of course at the Festival itself – has grown steadily over the last few years. This year’s ‘Chile in Focus’ programme, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Art and Heritage Chile, will also mark the tenth anniversary of CinemaChile, the organisation that has successfully promoted Chilean cinema worldwide. We are very happy to welcome many Chilean filmmakers and to offer them the possibility to present their filmmaking. ‘Country in Focus’ will provide many opportunities to network with Chilean producers, distributors, investors and creators, and to get to know Chilean productions. We developed a diversified and substantive programme with our Chilean partners. Chile has a lot to tell and a lot to offer for the future".

(c) Lia Darjes

Chile will have a marked presence across EFM. Can you name some highlights from the programme and the type of insight you expect Chile’s platform to bring?

(c) Juliane Eirich

"Chile will be present at the Berlinale Series Market & Conference where two events will highlight Chile’s strengths in serial content: The Berlinale Series Market Opening Reception will be co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Art and Heritage Chile & Cinema Chile. Under the title "Dignity" - How to Turn a Local Drama into a Global Event" the co-producers from Invercine & Wood (Chile) and Story House Pictures (Germany) as well as the distributor Red Arrow Studios International (UK) of the television series “Dignity” will discuss how to develop, finance, produce and exploit audio-visual content without being a mere service provider for a commissioning streamer. The panel will be followed by a Showcase called Chilean Series on the Rise. Furthermore one of the SalonTalks at the documentary initiative DocSalon will give in-depth insights into the current documentary landscape in Chile. Additionally Chile will also host the annual Doc Lunch. The EFM Producers Hub will present 10 Chilean producers during its Kick-Off Happy Hour. And of course Chile will be having a stand in the Gropius Bau".

(c) Lia Darjes

Can you discuss some successes programme delivered since its launch in 2017?

"We started 2017 with Mexico as the ‘Country in Focus’, followed by Canada in 2018 and Norway last year. From the feedback we receive from both sides, the participants of the featured country as well as the EFM, our idea to provide a platform for a comprehensive look at the film industry and filmmaking in a particular country, works very well and many opportunities to collaborate and cooperate in the future are being established".

(c) Oliver Moest

(c) Juliane Eirich

In addition, EFM 2020 is adding a new platform dedicated to bringing together producers and film commissioners under the name “EFM Landmark”. Created in collaboration with EUFCN, events will take place in and around Gropius Bau, as well as in the Berlin House of Representatives. EUFCN President Truls Kontny says “It’s extremely important to have a physical space in such a huge international market where the industry can easily meet all our film commissions and learn more about our activity".

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