Practical (and realistic) guide: distributing and screening independent films today – possible windows and a call for creativity

This talk will explore challenges for auteur and non-commercial cinema post-pandemic, including platform dynamics, changing entertainment habits, and cinema’s enduring role. We’ll discuss promoting, programming, and exhibiting films in theatres—a crucial resistance hub today. Beyond festivals, we’ll discuss creative alternative screening approaches, their mechanics, exhibitor-audience dynamics, and the role of networks/platforms in offering new perspectives amidst film surplus and limited outlets.

The session will be held in English, with no translation.
Free admission for accreditation holders.

22 Oct • 14:30 / 90’

Culturgest - Fórum Debates

Nebulae

Practical (and realistic) guide: distributing and screening independent films today – possible windows and a call for creativity

Speakers

Cíntia Gil

Member of the Directors’ Fortnight programming team, co-curator of UnionDocs’ film club Artistic Differences, and associated programmer at Doclisboa. Teaches at the Pompeu Fabra University (Barcelona) and the Film Training Centre (Mexico). Co-director of Doclisboa from 2012 to 2019 and director of Sheffield DocFest from 2019 to 2021. Juror at the Berlinale, Mar del Plata, Jerusalem, Taiwan, FidMarseille and Dokufest festivals, among others.

(Portugal)

Isabel Rojas

Cultural manager and film programmer. Artistic director of Seminario Público del Futuro, co-founder and director of Oaxaca Cine, Berlinale Talent audience designer and Flaherty Film Seminar curatorial fellow. Jury, tutor and collaborator of festivals, organisations and film schools in Mexico and Latin America, such as FICUNAM, Morelia, Ambulante, National Cinematheque, National Autonomous University of Mexico’s Cinematheque and Proimágenes Colombia.

Oaxaca Cine, Seminario El Público del Futuro (Mexico)

María Vera

Festival distributor and sales agent. Founder of Kino Rebelde, a company focused on festival strategy and creative distribution of documentaries, and experimental and hybrid narratives. Has been supporting emerging and established filmmakers since 2017. The films in her catalogue have been selected and awarded in festivals such as Berlinale, Locarno, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Visions du Réel, New York, Jeonju, Viennale, Sarajevo and Doclisboa, among others.

Kino Rebelde (Portugal)