The Berlin International Film Festival is one of the most important meeting places for film professionals worldwide. Its Visitor’s Program offers young producers an invaluable opportunity to expand their international network and find co-production partners.
Sander Lebreht, a young producer based in Tartu, shares his experience from four intensive days at Berlinale.
100+ Participants, Countless Opportunities
This year’s Visitor’s Program brought together over a hundred young producers from around the world. While it was impossible to engage with everyone, structured events such as Consultation Corner helped participants quickly establish common ground and build meaningful connections. Moments like these are priceless for film professionals, as the film industry is, above all, a people-driven business.
“Sitting in a room with producers from different countries, deeper connections formed instantly – someone might be facing similar challenges or offer a solution I hadn’t thought of myself.”
Meetings That Matter
The Berlinale is packed with thousands of official and informal meetings, and the four days of the Visitor’s Program meant a fully booked schedule.
With ten pre-arranged meetings, two to three have already led to follow-up discussions on potential collaborations.
“Every meeting was different – the film business thrives on personal connections. The most valuable conversations are those where both sides feel a genuine connection and see real potential for collaboration.”
Cinematic Experiences & Sources of Inspiration
The days were filled with networking, but the evenings offered a chance to unwind and seek inspiration from Berlinale screenings. Beyond the films, Berlinale’s panel discussions also sparked new ideas. A particularly intriguing topic was the intersection of film and video games, exploring how these two industries increasingly influence each other.
Berlinale – A Must for Every Film Producer
The four days in Berlin were undoubtedly exhausting, but they provided a wealth of knowledge, connections, and inspiration. International collaboration is invaluable for the Estonian film industry, and the Berlinale Visitor’s Program opened doors to new partnerships that may soon materialize in upcoming film projects.
