One of the key components of the festival is the Industry Program, which focuses on various aspects of the film industry, allowing professionals to share their experiences and knowledge. Here's an overview of the lectures and discussions that will take place on November 4th-5th in Prague.
Making Queer Movies Matter: Distribution Insights
Under this theme, distributors will address the distribution challenges of queer films. Queer films continue to hold a significant place in cinema, and their distribution can be a crucial factor for their success and accessibility. Panelists will explore various distribution strategies, including online platforms, film festivals, and distribution companies. The discussion will be led by festival programmer Kateřina Dvořáková and will feature:
-
- Producer Jakub Mroz
- Sales agent Cosimo Santoro
- Festival programmer Bohdan Zhuk
- Festival director and distributor Pavel Bicek from Mezipatra
Queer & Able: Portraying Disabilities in Cinema
This topic will focus on the representation of people with disabilities in queer cinema and how queer creators can contribute to a better and authentic portrayal of these characters. The importance of diversity in cinema will be emphasized. The discussion will also cover overcoming stereotypes and opening doors for creative opportunities that could change the way characters with disabilities are perceived in film. Guests on the panel include Josef Žitník, Robert McRuer, and Kateřina Kolářová.
This creatively titled session emphasizes the representation of LGBTQ+ individuals, the production of short films, and unique art in the world of queer cinema. The presentation will include 6 short films from various corners of the world. Films actively participating in the pitch session include:
-
- Letizia (dir.: Manzato Francesco)
- Du Bist So Wunderbar (dir. Leand Rogoddinho)
- Neo Nahda (dir. May Ziade)
- Play house (dir. Xinyi Cao)
- House of Velvet (dir. Ivana Hucíková, Igor Smitka)
The session will be hosted by Drag queen Melancholie, and participants include Leand Rogoddinho, May Ziade, Xinyi Cao, Ivana Hucíková, and Igor Smitka.
Artists‘ Insights: Navigating the Future of Queer Cinema
The final theme will focus on the future of queer cinematography and how creators can adapt to rapid changes in the industry. Young artist Claude Johann Čierny, whose film Beyond Anachronism: Eons of the Binary (Film) was featured at the 27th MFDF Ji.hlava, will contribute to the discussion. Other participants include Palestinian filmmaker Farah Abou Kharroub, Soll Stein, and Hugo Arruda. Moderator Kuba Knott will engage with the guests not only on the evolution of queer cinema and its impact on culture and society but also on the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies and platforms. Soll Stein and Hugo Arruda from the Danish festival mix CPG will provide their perspectives on the distribution and vision of queer cinema.
