Gdynia Industry at the 49^th  PFF

Gdynia Industry is a comprehensive programme of panel discussions, consultations and networking meetings addressed to film industry representatives. Gdynia Industry activities not only serve to define problems but also search for systemic solutions and exchange experiences and information between the more and less experienced professionals.

‘We would not have been able to prepare such a strong, distinctive and most importantly up-to-date Gdynia Industry programme if it were not for the broad support of the film industry, for which I am very grateful,’ – says Joanna Łapińska, Artistic Director of the PFF. – ‘I am delighted that we have so many great partners who are so willing to join discussions in Gdynia and support the young in our mentoring events – I especially give a warm thank you to those who will take part in Gdynia Campus 2024, our new project for film school students. It is important to me that we are also supported by partners from abroad, this year Europa Cinemas, CICAE or the European Film Academy will be with us. I am convinced that this year’s edition of Gdynia Industry will be a space for important, in-depth discussions of our film community.’

This year’s programme  combines: conversations and discussions on environment, Gdynia Campus – 2024, panels and presentations. Detailed programme of the Gdynia Industry section available at: www.festiwalgdynia.pl/gdyniaindustry/

CONVERSATIONS AND DEBATES ON ENVIRONMENT

‘There have been many changes in the Polish film industry since the previous edition of the Festival, and we have a broader opportunity than before to discuss the challenges, opportunities and possibilities that are now opening up for filmmakers. This year’s Gdynia Industry programme reflects this,’ says Ola Salwa, head of Gdynia Industry.

The event will feature meetings with people at the head of key film institutions as part of the ‘In Conversation With’ formula. On Tuesday, the 24th of September, Grzegorz Łoszewski, President of the Polish Filmmakers Association, will talk to the film industry. On Friday, 27th  September, there will be a conversation with Karolina Rozwód, Director of the Polish Film Institute. During her talk, the assumptions and directions of changes in the Operational Programmes for 2025 will also be presented. Meanwhile, the annual Forum of the Polish Filmmakers Association will take place on Saturday, 28th September.

GDYNIA CAMPUS – 2024

This year’s Gdynia Industry opens with a unique event. Its program was created by students of Polish film schools and film departments in line with the motto of the Polish Film Festival, ‘Gdynia for Filmmakers’. Gdynia Campus 2024 will host workshops on the financial aspects of film production and masterclasses with renowned creators. Thanks to the streaming service Netflix, a partner of the Gdynia Campus, 50 students received a scholarship to participate in the programme. Information on the selection will be available in the first half of September at www.festiwalgdynia.pl

The highlight of the event is a networking lunch sponsored by Filmmakers, during which participants will meet with representatives of such key playersas the Polish Film Institute, Polish Filmmakers Association, PFA Young Club, Polish Producers Alliance, PPA Young Producers Club, Producers Guild of Poland, Directors Guild of Poland, Union of Audiovisual Authors and Producers,as well as representatives of broadcasters and distributors. 

PANELS AND PRESENTATIONS

Let’s Work for the Future: How to Wisely Create Cinema for Young Audiences and Make Them Grow with It?

On the occasion of the 20^th anniversary of the Gdynia for Children section, we will explore developments in the production market for young audiences and challenges and ways to address them while building a relationship with an adolescent audience. Domestic production for young audiences is on an upward wave, with a steady increase in the box office for such titles. It is the right time to ask questions about the condition of the Polish market and the needs of producers and young audiences. We will also look at domestic animation slowly blazing a cinematic trail. In part one – Production of films for young viewers: how to tell stories to those who are too old yet not too old for fairy tales? – we will discuss the financing options for films made for young audiences in Poland and Europe, the potential of this sector and the opportunities and risks for producers. In part two – Young people at the cinema: research, practices, perspectives – we will focus on audience engagement. Concerns over the declining presence of young audiences in cinemas following the pandemic have led to increased research in Poland and Europe. We will review the findings and consider which global trends in working with young audiences can be adapted to Poland, which ones are already in place, and what systemic solutions could further support these efforts. Event in partnership with: Young Horizons, Ale Kino! International Young Audience Film Festival

Film Music: A Budget Item or an Essential Element for a Film to Be Successful? The Condition of Polish Film Music Market and Good Practices for Co-operation between Film Producers and Composers

Film music composers are full-fledged filmmakers. They contribute to the narrative layer of the film, help tell the story, enhance the drama and emotional aspects, and shape the psychological profiles of the characters. Music in the film acts as an invisible actor, significantly influencing the viewer’s perception of the work. Through music, many scenes gain additional depth and meaning, which allows the audience to fully immerse themselves in the world on screen. However, in film production, music is often viewed primarily in terms of budget and limitations. We will discuss how music can substantially impact the film’s final artistic and commercial outcome by strengthening its role throughout various production stages. We will highlight best practices for collaboration between film producers and composers, covering topics such as the creative process, communication, and negotiations around budgets and contracts. We will also explore ways to strike a balance between the creators’ artistic vision and the production’s practical requirements. In Partnership with: National Centre for Culture, Polish Producers Alliance, Film Music Forum in Krakow.

Golden Production or What’s Gold Got to Do with It?

Tavex, the leader of the precious metals market, invites you to a presentation on investing in gold. For almost 30 years, the company has delivered products widely recognised as a safe haven for capital. Have you thought about gold as an alternative source of financing films? Learn the secrets of investing, strategies and tax benefits. Together with the festival partner, Tavex, we invite you to discover the world of gold!

By Thought, Word or Deed – How Can Public Media Support Filmmakers?

The promotion of films and works of individual filmmakers is one of the aspects in which the media have accompanied cinema since the beginning, producing creative and often authorial stories about the meanings of cinema. It is certainly not the only form of co-operation in the cultural-media ecosystem. How can the media support filmmakers, and how can filmmakers enrich the story of their films with the help of journalists and cultural programme editors? In this conversation, we will also try to define the mission of the public media and whether we should view every film (which is, after all, art) from a political and social perspective. The conversation between Polish Television and Radio Poland representatives and the film community is organised in partnership with Radio Poland 3.

Grant Support Programme for Film Critics

We will discuss a pioneering European grant project aimed at film critics. For market reasons, the professional activity of this group is increasingly becoming a hobby. Funded by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, the National Film Archive – Audiovisual Institute programme aims to support professionally active critics and to facilitate entry into the market for adepts of the profession.

Masterclass: Council of Europe Fund Supports Co-production of Series and Event Booster: When East Meets West

During two presentations prepared in cooperation with the Polish Producers Alliance,  Alessandra Pastore, WEMW Market Manager, will talk about the benefits of cooperation with the When East Meets West industry event, a part of the IFF in Trieste. The Council of Europe’s Fund to support European co-produced series will be presented by Alex Traila, the Programme Manager. The events have been organised as part of the Focus on Poland project which was co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage from the Creative Sectors Development program, operated by the Centre for the Development of Creative Industries.

Cinema of the Future. How Changing Business Models Are Reshaping the Cinema Landscape in Poland and Europe

Among the representatives of the major art house cinema organisations, i.e. Europa Cinemas, CICAE and the Art House Cinemas Association, we will talk about numbers, what the role of such cinemas should be today, and what actions are being taken at the international and local level to strengthen their position in the market. We will also touch upon the expectations of today’s audiences, the need for diversity, and the conscious programming of cinema repertoire. The event is co-organised by Creative Europe Media Desk Polska.

To hear all voices – how to provide Polish industry with diversity and inclusivity?

In the spirit of pars pro toto, a film is a world in a nutshell, but it doesn’t always reflect its diversity and complexity. In a panel prepared in collaboration with the European Film Academy, we will address the representation of queer people on screen and in the film industry. We will discuss what strategies for ensuring diversity of inclusivity, i.e. the inclusion of overlooked minorities, are used in different parts of Europe and promoted by the EFA.

NETWORKING

‘We take advantage of the fact that so many people from the industry come to the festival and we try to create a space for them to talk about issues that are important to them, also outside the conference room. There are results of this. Last year, several topics emerged during these less formal meetings that we are addressing this year during the panels,’ – says Ola Salwa, head of Gdynia Industry. At the PFF in Gdynia, there are representatives of all the major production divisions, but also people representing distribution companies, streaming platforms, festivals or regional funds. Throughout the week, we invite you to a series of industry meetings, giving you the opportunity to network with the most important experts in the film industry. To this end, a ‘Happy Hour’ formula has been introduced this year – meetings that will take place from Tuesday to Friday. This year’s Happy Hour co-hosts are: Kino Świat, Canal+ and Kino Polska (Tuesday), Orka (Wednesday), Tavex (Thursday), Art House Cinemas Association (Friday).

Events aimed primarily at those taking their first steps in the industry include ‘1:1 Powered by Polish Film Institute’, a series of individual meetings with experienced filmmakers. This year, Mariusz Włodarski, Magnus von Horn, Marcin Wierzchosławski, Małgorzata Seck, Marzena Cieślik or Alessandra Pastore and Fatih Abay will give their time to younger colleagues. The second occasion will be an ‘Mentoring Lunch with the PFF Programme Council’, where members of the Council will share their experience with their younger colleagues. This mentoring meeting will be an opportunity to ask questions about the functioning of the industry and share cinephile experiences.

Both events are subject to registration at: www.festiwalgdynia.pl

The Regional Film Funds invite you to an industry lunch, which will be an excellent opportunity to discuss the current situation of the Polish audiovisual market and a chance to make new contacts in an informal atmosphere.

StoryLab.pro and the Polish Screenwriters’ Guild invite you to enjoy good coffee and conversation on projects prepared by screenwriters – it is one of the two networking breakfasts in the Gdynia Industry programme. The other is hosted by the Polish Producers Alliance Young Producers Club that invites young creators to a networking breakfast, during which there will be an opportunity to meet producers active in the industry and open to new film projects.

PFF will also host the Mental Point where there will be an opportunity to practice and take a moment for yourself on three festival mornings.