The ANIMASYROS 2024 powered by ΔΕΗ - Official Agora Catalogue
Αγορά Agora
The Agora Pitching Forum is organized within the framework
ANIMASYROS powered by PPC supports animation professionals with a strategic partnership with the Annecy Festival!
The ANIMASYROS Agora, which continues for the 10th consecutive year as a separate section of the Festival, has established itself as an epicenter of creative networking for animation professionals, fostering collaborations and synergies between directors, producers, distributors and professionals of the animation sector, cinema and new technologies from all over the world.
The Agora consists of masterclasses, presentations and round table discussions by professionals and representatives of organizations and institutional entities on current issues and trends in the field of animation as well as the Pitching Forum - a 4-day Pitch Coaching Workshop followed by a Pitch presentation in front of an international audience of animation professionals.
The Agora Pitching Forum of ANIMASYROS will this year become part of the International MIFA Campus, an international programme aimed at supporting young creators and artists from Mediterranean countries, namely Greece and Cyprus, the Balkan countries, Türkiye, Egypt and Morocco, by providing them with skills and experience. This operation is supported by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the French Institute as part of the international export strategy for cultural and creative industries.
A total of six (6) professionals from these countries will participate in the programme led by acclaimed audiovisual professionals selected by the Annecy International Animation Film Market (MIFA) team, namely Delphine Nicolini, creative producer & mentor, Claire Sichez , writer and director, and Sylvain Grain, head of MIFA Talent Projects. These selected projects will participate exclusively at a Pitch Partenaire at Annecy in June of 2025.
Claire Sichez Sylvain Grain
Delphine Nicolini
Marineta MAK Kritikou
This year’s Agora will feature the festival’s central theme “Africa: an animated continent”, with masterclasses, discussions and presentations by internationally acclaimed producers and artists from South Africa, Morocco and Ghana to Egypt and Nigeria.
Additionally, as part of ANIMASYROS’ initiatives to strengthen the Greek animation scene, the highly successful Greek Animation Talks supported by the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center S.A.- Creative Greece, will be held again this year. Greek creators will talk about their work, the challenges of the creative process, and share good practices. The host of the Greek Animation Talks will be screenwriter, actor and presenter Yorgos Kapoutzidis.
The Animation Speed Dating sessions, supported by Enterprise Greece, introduced last year, will continue as well. Greek creators selected by ANIMASYROS will participate in short 20-minute meetings with internationally acclaimed producers and artists from Europe and around the world, pitch their ideas and share their artistic and professional aspirations, aiming to find co-productions or even professional opportunities in the international animation scene.
International Mifa Campus
Pitching Forum Projects
Boobs
8min - Comedy/Drama
Boobs is a powerful story that follows a young girl on her complicated journey to embrace her changing body, specifically her breasts that grow saggy.
The film depicts individual events spanning approximately 20 years of the young heroine’s life, all related to her perception of herself and her body. It explores her traumatic experiences and the stories that help her undergo transformation.
Ira ElshanskyRS Director
Ira Elshansky, a graduate of the Belazel Academy of Arts and Design, director and creative producer based in Serbia, brings extensive expertise in animation to her work. Leading large teams, she excels as a showrunner, director and storyboard artist, having contributed to over 15 projects. Ira’s career spans the development of more than 40 scripts and collaborations with industry leaders such as Souzmultfilm, Rikki Group, Blaster, and Papaton. Her innovative contributions have earned her numerous international awards. Proficient in 2D, 3D, and stop-motion animation, Ira is a versatile professional with a deep understanding of various animation genres.
Supported by
International Mifa Campus
Pitching Forum Projects
Fruits of Labor
15min - Fantasy/Drama
In a secluded farmhouse, a solitary man finds solace and struggle in the rhythms of life and his unusual relationship with light. The protagonist, an old farmer, lives a life of isolation, his days consumed by labor in his fields and his nights dedicated to a singular passion, reading. His desire to read a book becomes the crux of his existence, but a broken lamp disrupts his nightly ritual, setting off a series of inventive attempts to find light.
Yiannis SkourasGR Director
Yiannis is a graduate of the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Patras and has worked as an Engineer until 2022. In parallel, under the pseudonym “ISKO”, he has been working as a comic artist and illustrator. In 2015 he began experimenting with stop motion animation.
In 2017 he completed the short animation film titled “Act without Words I”. Over the next two years, in collaboration with the NGO “Network for Children’s Rights”, he participated in the design, execution and completion of two animation production workshops, aimed at refugee and migrant children and teenagers. The result of these workshops was two short animation films co-directed with Dimitris Gazis. Both” Birdsong” and “A Day in the Library” were selected for film festivals.
Since 2020 he has been collaborating with the WoodGear A.D. creative team, participating in numerous projects as a scriptwriter, illustrator, animator, as well as prop and puppet designer and fabricator.
International Mifa Campus
Harun & Mamun 15min - Drama
Casablanca, it’s the end of the workday. The streets are crowded, the roads are clogged. As usual, the city is buzzing with life. Harun, is supposed to meet his father for coffee after work. Mamun leaves his home to meet his son. Suddenly, a meteorite crashes into the city, striking one of the metropolis’ skyscrapers. Time stands still. People and the heavenly body are frozen in time. Harun and Mamun observe this paused world. They realize the inevitability of the event that awaits them when the meteorite resumes its course. They reflect on life and their father-son relationship, which has deteriorated over the years.
Jihane JoypaulMA Director
Supported by
Born in 1998, Jihane Joypaul is a young filmmaker of Lebanese-Moroccan and Mauritian-Indian origin, raised in the enchanting atmosphere of Marrakech, the city of storytellers. It is there that she discovers her passion for cinema and the stories that fill her life. As a teenager, she begins creating her own animated short films, such as “The Death of Mr. Pinhead’’ and “Bloody Night.” She later studies film at the University of Paris 8. In 2019, she directed her first short film, “Matruychka,” in collaboration with Kinan Youssef, which was selected for the Marrakesh Short Film Festival. In 2023, she participated in the MSFF’s Low Budget Program, resulting in “Dr. Heck,” her latest animated short film currently in post-production. She is also participating in the Professional Workshops of the Tamayouz Foundation, through which she is developing her future first feature film.
International Mifa Campus
Pitching Forum Projects
Kamaroza
90min - Fantasy Adventure
Islam Mazhar & Ahmad AbdelhameedEG
Directors & Writers
Sindrell, a young man who doesn’t remember his past has always felt that he is destined for greatness. He meets an elderly traveler who roams the lands gathering tales. The man recounts to Sindrell a formidable challenge reserved for only the most skilled warriors. Intrigued, Sindrell embarks on a transformative journey, finding himself immersed in an entirely new and challenging adventure. samaka.tv
Islam and Ahmad are experienced animation directors with a demonstrated history of working in the animation industry. They are co-founders of Samaka Studio and the Animatex Animation Festival in Cairo. They hold Bachelor’s Degrees focused in Animation from the Academy of Arts, High Cinema Institute, where Islam is currently working as a teaching assistant as well. Their previous work has been featured in festivals around the world, including Annecy with the animated short “Play the Game”.
Supported by
International Mifa Campus Pitching Forum Projects
The Witch of the Mountain
7 x 11min (miniseries) - Action Adventure
Laşin, an arrogant young girl who wishes to be a hero, travels up a mythical mountain to undo a deadly curse. Her quest has something to do with an antlered backpack, a flock of forest animals, and a need to travel up that mythical mountain. But Laşin is keen on hiding the true story, behind her own epic made-up narratives. All the while, she is troubled by the Narrator, whom only she can hear, and a Ghost Deer who creepily stares at her.
Günef BozkurtTR Writer
Günef Bozkurt has a background in engineering but has always been passionate about arts and storytelling. For the past five years, she has been a successful freelancer, completing art commissions for individuals and authors. She is now focused on bringing her own creative projects to life.
Supported by
Regina Pessoa: My Creative Process
“I grew up in a small village, in a rural environment, without television or cinema, without any moving image education. However, the mysteries of life made me become a filmmaker. My masterclass describes my creative process through my films which are based on my own memories and are all very personal. They reveal that everyone has within them an immense creative potential.”
Supported by
Chapter I
“The Night”
Peering through Shadows and Fears, my first film.
Chapter II
“Tragic Story With Happy Ending” Light and Difference, pursuing my artistic and personal identity.
Chapter III
“Kali, The Little Vampire”
Shadows and Light, leaving childhood behind and self-acceptance, the trilogy
Chapter IV
“Uncle ThomasAccounting For The Days”
A tribute to a close person, childhood in perspective from adulthood point of view.
The Night Tragic Story With Happy Ending
Regina Pessoa
Director
Regina Pessoa was born in Coimbra, Portugal, in 1969. She studied Painting at the School of Fine Arts of the University of Porto. Working with a variety of animated engraving techniques, she created and directed auteur films such as “The Night” in 1999, ”Tragic Story with a Happy End” in 2005, “Kali the Little Vampire” in 2012 and “Uncle-Thomas accounting for the days” in 2019, which have been distinguished with countless awards and distinctions in the main International Film Festivals and events such as Annecy’06 Grand Prix; SXSW’07 Grand Prix; Annecy’19 Jury Award; ANNIE’20 Award for Best Short Subject, etc.
Her films are shown all over the world, including important art museums such as the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rijeka - 2009; at Museu l’ Orangerie - 2018/2019; and at Museo de Bellas Artes das Asturias, - 2023.
In 2016 she became Senior Lecturer at FILMAKADEMIE-Germany. In 2018 she became a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Hollywood). With a distinct and creative personal artistic vision expressed not only in her films but also through illustration, painting and drawing, she is currently developing her next film, “MOTHER FACES” at Ciclope Filmes Studio owned by her and her partner Abi Feijó, situated on the grounds of their Museum of Moving ImageCASA MUSEU DE VILAR.
ciclopefilmes.com
From Concept to Screen: Behind the scenes of Triggerfish Animation
Since 1996, Triggerfish has been a leader in the development and production of premium character-driven animation for feature films and TV. An international studio based in South Africa and Ireland, they have a distinct perspective on the global industry and access to remarkable rising talent. They have won Emmys, Annies and other international awards for prestigious clients and partners such as Disney, the BBC, Netflix, Lucasfilm, Magic Light Pictures, Hasbro, eOne, Ubisoft, Cake, Nickelodeon, Warner Brothers Animation, Sesame Workshop and Sony Pictures Animation.
Vanessa Sinden Producer
Vanessa is a Senior Producer at Triggerfish Animation with over 23 years in filmmaking. She champions original African stories, working with major partners like Disney+, Sony Pictures Animation, Warner Brothers Animation, Nickelodeon and Netflix. Notable works include Supa Team 4, Kizazi Moto:Generation Fire and Kiya and the Kimoja Heroes. Vanessa mentors young talent, especially women, through accelerator intiatives with Triggerfish Labs. She also founded African Women in Animation, promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the industry.
Workshop
The making of “The Kite”
Martin Smatana presents behind the scenes of his short stop motion puppet film “The Kite” and the process of building scenography and animating. When he started to develop a story for children about death, many asked him if he had gone mad. Then, he was reading a lot of books and articles about how to speak about such complex issues with children with metaphors and symbols. It was important to have joy and hope in a story about death.
He decided to use only gestures and body language. To show the process of getting thinner, he decided to build puppets out of textile layers. The boy has many of these layers; he is three-dimensional and has perspective, because he has all his life in front of him. But as the grandpa gets older, he gets thinner, and at the end of his life he is as thin as a sheet of paper, so one day the wind just softly blows him and takes him up to the sky.
Martin SmatanaSK
Animator, Screenwriter, Director
Martin Smatana (1991 Slovakia) is a graduate of Animation at FAMU in Prague. His debut short film “Rosso Papavero” (2015) premiered at Berlinale 2015 and won 15 international awards. His graduation film “The Kite” premiered at Berlinale 2019, was selected to the semifinals of Student Academy Awards, included in the Film Collection of MoMA (Museum of Modern Art in New York) and won over 60 international awards including Children Audience Awards in Annecy and Stuttgart. He wrote and illustrated three books “A Year of Good News” and his new animated film “Hello Summer” also won the Children Audience Award in Annecy 2024.
Supported by
Work In Progress
Uncovering an untold part of history
Animated & Archive documentary: How Many Nights, How Many Days
“How Many Nights, How Many Days” is an extraordinary story of a young peasant from an Egyptian village, Younis Abdalla, brought to the front lines of the First World War in France and ultimately culminates in the 1919 revolution, only to find himself merely escaping a massacre by the allied forces that recruited him. A hybrid archive and animation documentary that merges historical materials with animation. Guided by Younis’ personal account and augmented by the voice of a fellow villager, we return to glean their experiences, emotions, and perceptions – a poignant depiction of their role in a world plagued by grave injustices. An untold history of survival, invisibilized labor and colonialism.
Alaa DajaniEG Director
Versatile filmmaker, excelling as a producer, director, cinematographer, and editor with a passion for social documentaries. He holds a B.A. in Economics from The American University in Cairo (AUC) and an M.F.A. in Documentary Filmmaking from Stanford University. Alaa’s career includes valuable experience as the former assistant director for video production at AUC office of communications and advancement. As a respected film professor and freelance media producer, he founded Noumenon Media, dedicated to creating impactful social documentaries. Alaa’s exceptional work includes collaborations with renowned organizations like UNDP, Oxfam, and The American University in Cairo. Notably, his short documentary “In Circles” was shortlisted for a student academy award, and his film “The Art of Jihad” gained recognition in numerous US festivals. Recently, Alaa worked on the documentary biography of the esteemed scientist Mostafa Moushrafa and contributed his editing skills to the award-winning feature-length documentary “Captains of Za’atari.”
A Pixel CathedralAnimation & Architecture Emmanuel BlanchardFR Director
The benefits and challenges of utilizing animation in telling the story of the building of Notre-Dame de Paris.
The docudrama “Notre-Dame de Paris, l’épreuve des siècles” (2019) combines animation with archive material to tell the fascinating 800-year history of Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris.
Born in Paris, France, in 1976, Emmanuel Blanchard studied and taught History before becoming the award-winning au thor and director of numerous prime time history documentaries, including the worldwide-acclaimed Bombing war (2017). His interests range from politics (reference documentaries on the French far-right) to cultural history (Birth of the Seaside, 2021, Restaurants, 2023). Sev eral of his films include 3D animated se quences, like the epic docu-fiction “No tre-Dame de Paris, l’épreuve des siècles” (2019)
Three different artistic processes for three short films
By exploring the creation of three of her short films, Claire Sichez will share her writing process, her collaborations with illustrators, and the animation of unique graphics.
clairesichez.com
Claire SichezFR Screenwriter, Director
Claire Sichez is a French screenwriter and director of animated films. She has directed short films that have been awarded at numerous festivals and broadcast on TV. Notably, “Iâhmès et la Grande Dévoreuse” [“Iâhmès and the Great Devourer”] selected for the César, and “L’ amour en plan” [“Plans for Love”] selected at Annecy festival. For the past few years, she has been collaborating on the scripts of other directors. In doing so, she explores different visions and ways of storytelling, like in the film “Dessine-moi un Saint-Ex”, a 54 minutes’ documentary on Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, legendary writer (Le Petit Prince is worldwide known and in the top 10 all time bestseller) and legendary aviator.
Iâhmès et la Grande Dévoreuse
In Conversation with Isabel Herguera of “Sultana’s Dream”
Nancy Denney Phelps chats with the multi-award winning Basque animator Isabel Herguera about how she first discovered the 1905 book, a science fiction story under the title “Sultana’ s Dream” by Rokeya Hossain, her use of various techniques and materials in the making of the film such as mehndi and much more.
Isabel Herguera’s “Sultana’s Dream” [El sueño de la Sultana], a co-production of Spain and Germany, awarded in some of the most important festivals in the world and had its Greek nationwide premiere at this year’s ANIMASYROS.
Supported by
Isabel HergueraES
Director
Isabel Herguera has directed and proIsabel Herguera has directed and pro duced several short films including La Gallina Ciega (2005), Ámár (2010), Bajo la Almohada (2012), Amore d’inverno (2015) and Kutxa Beltza (2016). She likes to travel around the world while taking notes, re cording sounds and drawing in scheckt book. Since 2017 she is professor of the anima tion in KHM Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln, Germany. Sultana΄s dream, 2023 is her first feature film.
Nancy Denney PhelpsBE
Animation Journalist & Historian
Nancy Denney-Phelps is a journalist writing about European animation and festivals as well as a music producer for animation. Along with her composer/musician husband Nik Phelps, she co-founded the Sprocket Ensemble dedicated to presenting live performances of original music with screenings of contemporary animation from around the world. Nancy’s writings have appeared in such publications as CARTOON and ANIMATOON as well as on her regular blog for AWN (Animation World Network). She is also a regular correspondent for ASIFA/San Francisco and a member of the ASIFA International Board of Directors as well as the General Secretary Emile Awards Association and the pitching coach at ANIMARKT in Lodz, Poland. She also awards the annual Nancy Award at the Kaboom Animation Festival in Amsterdam. In 2019 was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the ANIMAKOM Animation Festival in Bilbao, Spain and in 2022 received the Giannalberto Bendazzi Award from the Paris International Animation Film Festival.
A new era for the audiovisual industry in Greece. Creative Greece meets animation
This panel discussion will explore the new era for the audiovisual industry in Greece, focusing on how Creative Greece is shaping the future of the sector, particularly in relation to animation. Leonidas Christopoulos, CEO of H.F.A.C.-Creative Greece, will lead the conversation on the impact of the recent merger of the Greek Film Centre and EKOME, and how this unified body is advancing the country’s film and audiovisual policies. The discussion will cover strategies for supporting Greek animation, attracting foreign investments, and integrating innovative technologies to boost the creative and audiovisual sectors in Greece.
GR / EU ecome.media
Leonidas Christopoulos
CEO Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center S.A.-
Creative Greece
Leonidas Christopoulos became Chief Executive Officer of EKKOMED-Creative Greece in September 2024, following his role as President and CEO of EKOME from 2023 to 2024. As Secretary General of Digital Governance (2019-2023), he oversaw EKOME and improved Greece’s audiovisual cash rebate scheme, reactivated the Tax Relief incentive, and launched a Loan Guarantee Fund for audiovisual producers in collaboration with the Development Bank.
GR / EU
He led Greece’s digital transformation strategy, including the Digital Transformation Bible, AI strategy, and Gov.gr digital services. Christopoulos previously advised the opposition on public administration and education (2016-2019). He holds degrees from Panteion University and the University of Warwick, is a National School of Public Administration graduate, and speaks English and German.
Irini Souganidou
Managing Director at Feelgood Entertainment
Irini Souganidou has worked for the movie industry since 1985. She was the General Manager at the distribution company PROOPTIKI S.A. and is the founder and co-owner of Feelgood Entertainment S.A., a leading entertainment company in Greece and Cyprus, established in 2008, distributor of Walt Disney Pictures (Disney, Fox, Lucas, Marvel, Pixar), Paramount, Sony and many independent and local films. At the same time, through its subsidiary Feelgood Productions, she has expanded into productions, always aiming to quali-
feelgoodentertainment.gr
ty audio-visual content. During her distinguished career, she has distributed more than 1.500 films of all genres, breaking many box-office records along the way. She has shown particular interest in supporting young creators and Greek production on a broad scale. Irini Souganidou is a member of the Hellenic Film Academy, she has been the President of the Greek Distributors’ Association (EDIKTE) for 10 years, member of the BoD of EPOE (Local Antipiracy Association) and member of Europa Distribution.
GR / EU
Sofia Beretanou
Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center S.A.Creative Greece (H.F.A.C.-Creative Greece)
Sophia Beretanou has been the Head of International Relations for EKOME, the National Center of Audiovisual Media and Communication since 2020. She has worked as a journalist, radio producer and press officer over the last 20 years. She has studied Social Anthropology and History at the University of the Aegean and holds Master degrees in Marketing Management and Political Science from the London School of Business and Finance and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens respectively.
In this session, Agathi Plota, Executive Director of DDB Athens, and the founders of Studio 9, John O’Connell and Joseph Coveney, from Ireland will share their experiences in crafting commissioned animated films. They will delve into the delicate balance between meeting the strategic goals of clients and maintaining creative integrity in storytelling. Through examples of their work, the speakers will demonstrate how animated films can effectively communicate brand messages while pushing the boundaries of visual innovation. The discussion will explore the challenges and opportunities of blending commercial objectives with artistic vision, offering valuable insights for those navigating the world of commissioned animation.
Agora
GR / EU
Agathi Plota
Executive Director
Head of Strategy and Innovation DDB Athens
Agathi’s career at the DDB Group began at Rapp Collins and continued at Tribal DDB, one of the first digital agencies in the Greek market, which later merged with DDB in 2019. Agathi also serves as an Executive Advisor at Ignota.io, the CX/UX arm of the Group. Her role primarily focuses on brands, helping to develop and implement strategies for growth, creating meaningful brand stories, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Her greatest reward comes from the opportunity to work closely with game-changing corporations and to continuously learn from bright, talented people.
ddb.gr
ΙR / EU ΙR / EU
John O’Connell
Joseph Coveney
We met in 1995, on the first of day of Art College, and between us we have over 40 years’ experience working as creatives.
John first studied painting at the National College of Art & Design, then sculpture at the Royal College of Art in London, and most recently animation in BCFE.
Joe also studied painting in National College of Art & Design, followed by sculpture at Winchester School of Art. In 2015 he was awarded a scholarship to Domus Academy in Milan, where he achieved an MA in Product Design.
Studio 9 grew organically out of our collaborations.
It has become a place for us to bring all of our knowledge, skills and experiences together to make innovative work for a range of national and international clients.
Maria Anestopoulou Director of ANIMASYROS
Born in Larissa Greece. She studied Law at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and pursued postgraduate studies in Intellectual & Industrial Property Law at the University of Kent in the UK. She has been a founding member and programme director of Platforma Video, an international film festival dedicated to the art of digital film that has been taking place in Athens from 2003-2009. In 2008, with Vassilis Karamitsanis she founded Animasyros International Animation Festival. There, she holds the position of the Festival Director. In her non-animated world she is a lawyer specialising in Public Procurement and Structural Funds Management and she collects fridge magnets.
Breaking barriers: African Women leading in Animation
A look at how African women are overcoming barriers and promoting diversity in creative teams. We highlight projects that promote change, exploring the impact of animation in raising awareness and influencing public opinion on critical issues.
Τhe legacy of Rubies
The Comfis
Ebele Okoye
Ebele Okoye is Africa’s pioneer female animator, changemaker, and equity advocate with over 20 years of industry experience. A two-time laureate of the Africa Movie Academy Award, she also has awards, honors and recognitions from institutions like DEFA Foundation, Robert Bosch Foundation, Focus Features, United States Congress, California state legislature and Amnesty International.
With a portfolio spanning international co-productions, jury work, and educational endeavours, including animation tutelage at the Bauhaus University, Weimar, Germany, Okoye has left an indelible mark on the animation landscape, and has founded numerous animation training programs, like “smedLAB2013”, Nigeria’s first Animation course, “Motion to the Sound” and “Ani-JollyGilrs’ Special Training”
A sought-after speaker and panelist in industry events, Ebele is also an advisory board member for the Development- oriented migration program of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). She is the operational force behind Jolly Squid Media and the founder of SpunkyToonz, an EdTech brand, which promotes healthy, social, and eco-friendly values in young minds.
Comfort Arthur
Animator, Illustrator, Visual Artist
Comfort Arthur is a British-born Ghanaian award-winning animator, illustrator and visual artist. She trained at the Royal College of Arts before moving to Ghana to set up The Comfy Studio. Her short film Black Barbie has been an international hit and has screened in more than 100 film festivals across the world and has won several awards. In 2020 she released her first children’s picture book under the same name.
She is the first Ghanaian animator to win the African Academy Movie awards for best animation for her web series I’m Living in Ghana Get Me Out of Here.
She has worked as the Festival Director for FUPiTOONS FESTiVAL, Africa’s first film festival dedicated to short-form animation for kids. She also enjoys teaching animation and has worked with Ladima Film Academy to help facilitate animation workshops for women in Africa. In 2022 she collaborated with a non profit organization called Black Thrive. Working with young kids to explore the impact of mental health on their age group.
Comfort Arthur has also worked as the Episodic director for Cbeebies Animated preschool show JoJo and Gran Gran in the United Kingdom.
thecomfystudios.com
Mounia Aram
International Speaker, Coach
Moderator
Mounia Aram has been in the animation industry for more thαn 20 years; She is a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion in the television industry. As the founder of the Mounia Aram Company, she champions African animation and content, promoting diverse voices in global media. With extensive experience in international business and the audiovisual sector, Mounia fosters cross-cultural collaboration and supports creators navigating the global market.
Mounia serves as a board member of the Diversify TV Awards at MIPCOM, an initiative celebrating diverse and inclusive television content. She is also the Africa Council Chair at the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, where she advocates for gender balance and representation in media.
Her contributions have earned her the Black in Animation Award for Cultural Innovator in 2022, recognizing her innovative impact on the animation industry. A regular participant in industry events and festivals, Mounia shares her insights on the importance of representation and inclusivity in media.
linktr.ee/mouniaaram
Roundtable
Creative Europe MEDIA Talks about the world of international co - Productions
Let’s explore the world of co-productions with the multi-awarded and internationally renowned producers Olivier Catherin and Viviane Vanfleteren! What are some optimal ways to foster collaboration while creating and producing an animation project? How can we maximize the potential of our project with the help of European funding opportunities? Our speakers have all the answers.
FR / EU
Olivier Catherin
Producer
Olivier Catherin is an ethnologist by training. He worked for the French Animation Film Association and created the International Animation Day for ASIFA. In 2008 he created the production company “Les Trois Ours”. From 2015 to 2018 he oversaw the animation sector for the Hauts-de-France region and is now a freelance producer and animation consultant. He won two César and one European Film Award. He’s also teaching animation production.
BE / EU
Viviane Vanfleteren
Producer
Viviane Vanfleteren is founder and CEO of Vivi Film, an independent Belgian film production company, and co- founder of animation studio Studio Souza. Her credits include amongst others The Triplets of Belleville and The Secret of Kells which were both selected as Academy Award® Nominees as well as series such as Minuscule 2, Plankton Invasion. The feature Titina was released early 2023 and Valemon, the Polar Prince Bear, is expected to be released beginning 2025. Today Viviane has animated series and features in different stages of development, financing and production.
vivifilm.be studiosouza.be
GR / EU gfc.gr
Anna Kasimati
Creative Europe MEDIA Desk
Anna Kasimati is head of the Creative Europe MEDIA Desk at the Greek Film Centre. She holds a BA and MA in Communication and Cultural Management studies. She has twenty years of experience in research and analysis in the fields of culture and cinema. Her work includes the management of co-financed NSRF programs, cooperation with European bodies in audiovisual policy issues and the interconnection of cinema and digital technology. She was elected Executive Secretary of the SEE Cinema Network and she is a member of EFAD (European Film Directors Association) and EFARN (European Research Agencies Research Network).
Moderator
Roundtable
An Inside Look at African Studios
Join producers and company owners at this roundtable to delve into the world of animation production in Africa, looking at production choices, benefits, challenges and opportunities at studios based across the continent. The speakers will discuss their content strategies, choices around visual aesthetics, coproduction opportunities and offer an overall understanding of their studios’ position in the local, regional and global animation industry.
Raymond Malinga
Raymond Malinga, from Uganda, is the CEO of the Creatures Company Ltd, an animation studio based in Kampala. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Animation and Visual Effects in 2014 from Multimedia University Cyberjaya, Malaysia. He directed and produced the multi-award winning animated film A Kalabanda Ate My Homework. Creatures is focused on developing original content in the form of short films, TV shows and feature films that showcase the African spirit in new and fantastic ways. Raymond directed a short film Episode 1: Herderboy for Disney+ Kizazi Moto Anthology.
Mahmoud Hemeda Director, Producer
Mahmoud Hemeda is an Egyptian Animation Director, CEO/ Co-founder of Samaka Studio, and Co-founder of the Animatex Animation Festival. Drawing inspiration from his Egyptian roots, he graduated from the esteemed High Cinema Institute with 15 years of industry experience. Hemeda’s work spans TV commercials, cinema, and short movies with participation in many international festivals and markets. Hemeda also engages in teaching& supervising various beginner to senior-level animation education courses. He is also one of the founders of Animatex, Egypt’s biggest animation festival for enthusiasts and professionals, providing a platform for talent to thrive and connect within the industry.
Agora
samaka.tv
Rita Mbanga Producer
Moderator
Rita is a producer with over 20 years of experience working in animated and live-action feature films, commercials, short films, and TV series. Rita has been part of the production team on the popular Jungle Beat animated brand since the inception of the brand in 2004 - across all eight seasons and both feature films - the first of which was in the feature film competition in Annecy and released by Netflix. The Jungle Beat Youtube channel has over 11.6 million subscribers. Rita has recently produced the Young David animated series which has been released by Angel Studios and Minno. Rita has been a mentor in the Women in Animation mentorship program, and was a member of the Jury at the Annecy Film Festival in 2022 and the El Ojo Cojo Film Festival in 2022 and 2023.
Distribution of Animation Films in Greece: Strategies and Prospects
The discussion will focus on the distribution of animation films in Greece, addressing the challenges and strategies followed by distribution companies to promote these films to local audiences. It will explore the connection between distribution and contemporary Greek film production, as well as how distributors can contribute to the promotion of Greek animation and expand the presence of international animation films in the country. Additionally, the role of festivals in enhancing the visibility of these films will be analyzed, along with the partnerships that can be developed to strengthen the animation industry.
Dafni Bechtsi
Founder & CEO at Cinobo
Dafni Bechtsi is the founder and CEO of Cinobo, Greece’s leading streaming service for curated independent cinema. Her expertise extends to film distribution, particularly of festival-acclaimed titles for digital and theatrical release, and operation of a network of cinemas. Dafni’s strategic vision and industry insights have solidified Cinobo status as a pivotal player in the Greek cinema landscape.
Ioanna Panagiotidou
Co-Owner & Managing Director at Rosebud.21
Ioanna Panagiotidou is a Co-owner and Managing Director at Rosebud.21, a Greek Boutique Film Distribution Company that specializes in Commercial Independent, Arthouse and Animation Films mainly from Europe. Rosebud.21 distributes an average of 20 films per year. With university degree in Management and Marketing, she has a background at Odeon S.A as Head of Greek Productions and at OBS working on the Broadcasting on two Olympic Games, both for Athens 2004 (AOB) and Beijing 2008 (BOB).
rosebud21.gr
GR / EU
Irini
Souganidou
Managing
Director
at Feelgood Entertainment
Irini Souganidou has worked for the movie industry since 1985. She was the General Manager at the distribution company PROOPTIKI S.A. and is the founder and co-owner of Feelgood Entertainment
S.A., a leading entertainment company in Greece and Cyprus, established in 2008, distributor of Walt Disney Pictures (Disney, Fox, Lucas, Marvel, Pixar), Paramount, Sony and many independent and local films. At the same time, through its subsidiary Feelgood Productions, she has expanded into productions, always aiming to quality audio-visual content. During her distinguished career, she has distributed more than 1.500 films of all genres, breaking many box-office records along the way. She has shown particular interest in supporting young creators and Greek production on a broad scale. Irini Souganidou is a member of the Hellenic Film Academy, she has been the President of the Greek Distributors’ Association (EDIKTE) for 10 years, member of the BoD of EPOE (Local Antipiracy Association) and member of Europa Distribution.
GR / EU
Moderator
Athena Kartalou - Aduku
Head of General Directorate of Cinema / Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center S.A.-Creative Greece
Athena Kartalou has been the General Director of the Greek Film Centre since October 2021. She studied linguistics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA) and pursued postgraduate studies in communication at the University of Leeds in the UK. She holds a PhD in Communication, Media, and Culture from Panteion University, focusing on Greek cinema. Her professional career includes roles in communication and project management in the fields of cinema, media, publishing, and sports. In September 2023, she was elected to the board of the European Film Agency Directors (EFAD).
ekome.media
Roundtable
Hellenic Places:
From idea to execution of an animated documentary TV series
The creators and producers of the TV series will discuss this successful collaboration between ANIMASYROS with COSMOTE TV that blends intricately the historical documentary genre with animation.
GR / EU
Vasiliki Iskenderoglou
Director
Vasiliki Iskenderoglou is a graduate of University of West Attica department of Graphic Designs and Visual Communications. She has created the film “Through the Mirror” along with many comics with her most known being “Daughter of the Sun” on WEBTOON with 70 thousand followers and more than 4 million views. Lately she has been working with ANIMASYROS Productions as a director and ani mator for the documentary “Hellenic Places: Naousa”.
GR / EU
Agisilaos Rompolas
Graduated with honors from the School of Fine Arts of Florina at the University of Western Macedonia. He is active in the Greek and international art scene, participating in projects that offer diverse experiences, reflecting his dedication to artistic exploration and the creation of experiences. Since 2019, he has been involved in animation, exploring the intersections of various artistic disciplines in the production process of animated films. Since then, he has worked as an animator, an instructor in animation workshops, and as a project manager in artistic projects.
Animator
GR / EU
Faye Tsitsipi
Executive Producer, Cosmote TV
With a professional experience of 17 years in management positions such as at OTE Group, ALPHA TV and RTL Group, Faye Tsitsipi has been working at OTE Group since 2016, starting as a Senior Expert TV Content at DEUTSCHE TELEKOM TV EUROPE, followed by Senior Manager for Strategy Analysis, as well as responsible for Production Content Development at COSMOTE TV (documentaries, fiction and entertainment). She holds a degree in Political Science from the Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and a Master’s degree in Media & Communications of City University of London.
GR
/ EU
Creative Producer, Production Manager
Athena Kalkopoulou is a creative producer & publicity expert with over 20 years of experience in the US and Greece. She is the Production Manager at ANIMASYROS Productions. From 2020 till 2023 she served as the Director of Promotion at the Greek Film Centre. She has collaborated with the Sundance Institute, SXSW and the San Francisco International Film Festival.
cosmotetv.gr
animasyros.gr
Athena Kalkopoulou
Moderator
Line Producing for animationThe case study of P.
What is line producing in an animated film and how does it move the project forward? In this talk with Einat Keshet, Line Producer at The Hive Studio, effective line producing for an international animation co-production will be discussed. Moderated by Athena Kalkopoulou, Producer at ANIMASYROS Productions.
Agora
Einat Keshet
Line Producer, The Hive Studio
B.f.A. in Films and Animation. Worked for The Hive studio as line producer in the co-production of short animated film ‘P’ (2024). She was line producer for short animated film ‘Pisces’ (2024), for animations of the ‘Parpar Nechmad’ reboot’s 2nd Season (2023) and many other projects. Also worked as designer on ‘Summer Memories’ (2022) and animator on ‘Matt and Bird Break Loose’ (2021). Her short animation film is award winning ‘Baggage’ (2020).
GR / EU
Athena Kalkopoulou
Creative Producer, Production Manager
Athena Kalkopoulou is a creative producer & publicity expert with over 20 years of experience in the US and Greece. She is the Production Manager at Animasyros Productions. From 2020 till 2023 she served as the Director of Promotion at the Greek Film Centre. She has collaborated with the Sundance Institute, SXSW and the San Francisco International Film Festival.
thehivepro.com
animasyros.gr
Moderator
Promoting animated films through international film festivals: Insider’s experiences and testimonies
This panel will explore how international film festivals promote animated films and support their global visibility. Drawing from the experiences of key figures in festival programming, industry markets, and project development, the discussion will examine how festivals such as Thessaloniki, Drama, and Annecy contribute to the recognition of animation talent. Topics will include strategies for showcasing films, fostering international collaborations, and creating opportunities for emerging filmmakers. The role of festival markets and project development initiatives will also be highlighted, demonstrating how they help bridge the gap between creative production and audience engagement in the animation industry.
Roundtable
GR / EU
Eleni Androutsopoulou
Head of the Greek Department of the Thessaloniki International Film Festival (TIFF) and Thessaloniki Documentary Festival (TDF) filmfestival.gr
Eleni Androutsopoulou is Programmer, Head of the Greek Department of the Thessaloniki International Film Festival (TIFF) and Thessaloniki Documentary Festival (TDF) while she also coordinates the implementation of the EU programmes that the Festival undertakes. She has been with TIFF since 2005 (since 2010 Head of the Greek Program) and as part of her current role she overviews all films which are eligible for the Greek programs of TIFF and TDF, liaising with the local film community and supporting the film selection process. Eleni holds a B.A. in Business Management from University of Patras and an M.A. in Cultural Policy, Management and Communication from Panteion University.
FR / EU
Sylvain Grain
Producer, Head of MIFA Talent Projects
French producer, consultant and trainer with 15+ years of experience in the media and entertainment industry between Europe and Latin America. His expertise in animation and immersive formats led him to participate in innovative projects for museums, theme parks, television, advertising and cinema, including award-winning IMAX 3D documentaries, CG animated shortfilms and TV Series. Sylvain Grain leads MIFA Talent projects to support international emerging creators and animation films in development.
annecyfestival.com
GR / EU
Barbara Dukas
Head of Education Program DISFF
Barbara Doukas is a director and theatre and cinema educator. She is the artistic director of the Municipal Regional Theatre of Corfu (DIPETHEK), head of the Educational Programme (since 2009) and since 2014 she is Head of the Pitching Lab/Forum of the International Short Film Festival of Drama (DISFF). She is a PhD candidate at the Department of Cinema of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
GR / EU
Maria Anestopoulou
Director of ANIMASYROS
Moderator
dramafilmfestival.gr
animasyros.gr
Agora
Stop motion animation vs the reality of the Greek animation industry
Greek animators consistently prefer stop motion as their technique of choice in their animated shorts, despite the production and budget challenges. We discuss the aesthetic and story-telling appeal of the technique with a few of the Greek artists that work in stop motion animation today.
GR / EU
Yiannis Christoforou
Filmmaker
Yiannis Christoforou is an awarded filmmaker based in Athens. He is a Berlinale talent campus Alumina and a Filmmaking graduate from NYU—SCE. He also received a scriptwriting scholarship masterclass from the Script Factory in London, during the Göteborg’s film Festival educational programs. In 2018 he founded Decoy images, a production company which offers audiovisual content of high quality and aesthetics.
GR / EU
Eirini Vianelli
Director, Scriptwriter, Animator
Eirini Vianelli (1985) is an award-winning director, scriptwriter and animator based in Athens. She studied graphic design at the University of the Arts London and experimental animation at CalArts. Her short films have been screened and awarded at international festivals including the Ottawa International Animation Film Festival, the Zagreb International Animation Festival, the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen and the Sarajevo International Film Festival. She is an Onassis Foundation Fellow, SNF Artworks Fellow and Sundance Institute Alumni.
yiannischristoforou.gr
eirinivianelli.com
GR / EU
Zoe Kandyla
Development & Production Director - The Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center S.A.-Creative Greece gfc.gr
Zoe Kandyla is the Head of Development and Production at the of the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center S.A.- Creative Greece. She is a graduate of the Department of Communication, Media and Culture of the Panteion University of Athens, with postgraduate studies in Film and Audiovisual Production at the Royal Holloway University of London. She has worked in the distribution of films and series (NBC Universal, All3Media International), in the funding department of the British Film Institute (BFI Film Fund), at the London Film Festival (BFI London Film Festival), and in the representation of artists in film and television productions (Echo Artists).
GR / EU
Derizioti
Animator
Phaedra Derizioti is a stop motion & 2d animator. She initially studied at the department of Audio and Visual Arts of the Ionian University, where she focused on animation and photography. She then pursued postgraduate studies in Stop Motion Animation at the BAU Centro Universitario de Artes y Diseño in Barcelona, where she remained working at studios such as Citoplasmas & Kinetic Armatures and Kimchi Studio. Returning to Athens, she works as a freelance animator as well as a prop & set constructor in various projects. She is also involved in scriptwriting and directing.
dphaedra.wixsite.com/deri
Phaedra
Discussion
Graduate Studies and Research in Animation and Transmedia Production
The University of the Aegean (UAegean) will announce the first Master Degree Programme in Animation taking into account all changes and challenges in the Animation and Transemdia Production Industry. -- in academic partnership with the Ionian University. The program will include several research and innovation actions, developed in collaboration with Animasyros Festival, A. Onassis Foundation and industry organizations in Greece, members of ASIFA Hellas, and abroad -- it is specifically designed to be related to international incubators and accelerators of Animation Projects such as Onassis ONX in New York. The Programme will also benefit from the know-how of French Schools, of the ENSAD and the University of Paris 8 (member of the ERUA Academic Alliance where both UAegean and Paris 8 participate actively).
Carefully balancing between Creative and Business Advances in Animation Production, the three semester course informs the participants on the Design, Development and Production challenges of the International Animation Industry, a very expensive market worldwide. In the presentation of the Master, partners from the academia, research and the industry will explain the benefits of the participants from their integration in the International Animation Market.
This event is organized in line with the current festivities for the Celebration of Science and Innovation with a Mediterranean Flair. The University of the Aegean is participating in the pan-European Researchers’ Night MEDNIGHT 2024 (https:// mednight.eu/about-us/), with celebrations in all Archipelago islands where UAegean has a location, Syros, Mytilini, Chios, Rhodes, Limnos and Samos, on September, 27. The 2024 edi tion of the MEDNIGHT (Mediterranean Researchers’ Nightt) is a project funded by the European Union (Marie Curie Actions) aimed at presenting the friendlier side of science conducted in Mediterranean countries for both young people and adults.
Event linked to the pan-European Researchers’ Night MEDNIGHT 2024
With the support of
GR / EU aegean.edu
Petros Kavassalis
Vice Rector of Research and Innovation University of the Aegean
Petros Kavassalis is the Vice-Rector for Research & Innovation at the University of the Aegean and an Associate Professor with the University of the Aegean (Dpt of Financial and Management Engineering – Information Management Lab, i4M Lab). Petros Kavassalis holds a degree in Civil Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and a Ph.D. from Dauphine University in Paris (Economics and Management)doctoral programme in collaboration with Ecole Polytechnique, Cenrtre de Recherche en Gestion (GRG). In the past, he worked as a Researcher at the Ecole Polytechnique, Paris (Centre de RechercheenGestion), at MIT (Research Program on Communication Policy – now part of SSRC), where he has contributed to the foundation of the MIT Internet Telecommunications Convergence Consortium MIT-ITC, and at ICS-Forth, Greece. His interests focus on the fields of Information Management, e-Identity and Privacy Management in Federated and Self-Sovereign Environments, Blockchain and Decentralized Systems, Business Process Modeling and Automation, Document Engineering, Communications Policy, Organization of the Digital Economies, Economics and Policy of Industrial and Technical Change.
In the last years, Kavassalis’ research focuses in particular on the application of e-services and software that enable private and public organizations to explore the potential of advanced identity management technologies and the secure environment established by the eIDAS Regulation.
Discussion
Animation has dimensions: Dimensions have a futureWhite Fox Productions
Our presentation showcases the unique approach and creative processes behind White Fox’s innovative projects. Specializing in 2D and 3D animation, as well as interactive digital systems like holograms and VR glasses, we follow a structured yet imaginative workflow. It all begins with brainstorming sessions to spark fresh ideas. From there, we develop detailed storyboards and moodboards, refining concepts before moving into production. By blending various animation styles and aesthetic techniques, we deliver high-quality digital experiences. Through close collaboration with seasoned animators and creative professionals, White Fox consistently produces groundbreaking and immersive projects.
Discussion
GR / EU
Nancy Kourouni
Nancy Kourouni started working in video and 2D animation in 2021 for the theatrical production of “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” and since then, she has expanded into the theater industry.
In 2023, I designed video content for the production “Yerma,” and for the past two years, she has been working with the Athens and Epidaurus Festival.
Nancy has also collaborated with the Greek National Opera, as well as with various musical artists on their video projects. Currently, she is employed at White Fox, an animation company, where she contributes to projects as a production manager and art director. Her responsibilities include character and environment design, creating color palettes, and overseeing the aesthetic and artistic direction of each project.
GR / EU
Eleana
Koulouktsi
white-fox.gr
Eleana Koulouktsi is a graduate of the Economics Department of the Hellenic American University with a specialization in Marketing. Since 2011 she has worked in various companies in Greece, France and England in organizational and personnel management positions. In 20122014 she was a cabin crew manager at Air Mediterrane airline based in Paris. In 2014-2016 she worked as a store manager at the Pandora store chain in Greece. From 2016 to 2020 she was employed as a personnel manager at the multinational company Inditex in Manchester, UK. From 2020 until today she is working at White Fox production company in Athens in the distribution and marketing department.
Animation Speed Dating
After its successful launch last year at the Agora Pitching Forum of ANIMASYROS, powered by Enterprise Greece, the Animation Speed Dating sessions are back.
15 Greek creators will participate in 15’ - 20’ meetings with internationally renowned producers and artists from all around the world, to discuss with them issues that touch all the production stages of an animation film and to help them pitch their idea with the aim of finding co-productions or professional opportunities at an international level.
Participating Professionals
Regina PessoaPT
Director
Isabel HergueraES
Director
Vanessa SindenZA
Producer
Olivier CatherinFR
Producer
Viviane VanfleterenBE
Producer
Amit GicelterIL
Producer
Laure GoasguenFR Distributor
Daphne BechtsiGR Distributor
Anna KasimatiGR Head for the Creative Europe MEDIA Desk in Greece
Powered by
Programme
Agora presentations take place at the Cultural Centre of Hermoupolis.
Special accreditation is necessary for the Agora market activities.
Free admission is offered to Greek Animation Talks powered by GFC held at the Cultural Centre of Hermoupolis.
Animation Speed Dating powered by Enterprise Greece takes place at Apollon Theatre.
Wednesday 25.09
9.30 – 17.30
International Mifa Campus Pitching Forum Workshop
Sylvain GrainFR
Delphine NicoliniFR
Claire SichezFR
Open only to Pitching Forum
Participants
11.00 - 12.00
Masterclass
Artist Corner: Behind the Scenes of The Kite
Martin SmatanaSK
With the support of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Greece
12.00 – 12.40
Work In Progress
Uncovering an untold part of history.
Animated documentary: How many nights, how many days
Alaa DajaniEG
17.00 - 19.00
Agora Presentations & Roundtables
Πέμπτη | Thursday 26.09
9.30 – 17.30
International Mifa Campus Pitching Forum Workshop
Sylvain GrainFR
Delphine NicoliniFR
Claire SichezFR
Open only to Pitching Forum
Participants
11.00 - 12.30
Masterclass
Regina Pessoa: My creative process
Regina PessoaPT
With the support of the Embassy of Portugal in Greece
17.00 – 19.00
Agora Presentations & Roundtables
17.00 – 17.50
Roundtable
Stop motion animation vs the reality of the Greek animation industry
Eirini VianelliGR
Phaedra DeriziotiGR
Yiannis ChristoforouGR
Zoe KandylaGREKKOMED Creative Greece
Moderator
· 10’ Q&A
17.00 – 17.30
Presentation
Animation & architecture: A pixel cathedral
Emmanuel BlanchardFR
· 10’ Q&A
17.45 – 18.45
Roundtable
An inside look at African animation studios
Raymond MalingaCreaturesUG
Mahmoud Hemeda - Samaka StudiosEG
Rita Mbanga – SunriseΖΑ
Moderator
· 15’ Q&A
18.00 – 18.50
Roundtable
Breaking barriers: African women leading in animation
Comfort Arthur –The Comfy StudioGH
Ebele Okoye –Jolly SquidNG
Mounia AramMA
Moderator
· 10’ Q&A
Friday 27.09
9.30 – 17.30
International Mifa Campus Pitching Forum Workshop
Sylvain GrainFR
Delphine NicoliniFR
Claire SichezFR
Open only to Pitching Forum Participants
10.00 - 10.30
Presentation
Three different artistic processes for three short films
Claire SichezFR
· 10’ Q&A
10.45 – 11.20
Roundtable
Line Producing for animation – The case study of P.
Einat KeshetIL
Athena KalkopoulouGR Moderator
· 10’ Q&A
11.30 - 13.00
Masterclass
From concept to screen: Behind the scenes of Triggerfish Studio
Vanessa SindenZA
13.00 – 14.00
Greek Animation Talks powered by the Greek Film Centre
Yorgos KapoutzidisGR
17.00 – 19.00
Agora Presentations & Roundtables
17.10 – 17.50
Roundtable
Hellenic Places: From concept to execution of an animated documentary TV series
Agisilaos RompolasGR
Vasiliki IskenderoglouGR
Faye Tsitsipi –Cosmote TVGR
Athena Kalkopoulou GR Moderator
· 10’ Q&A
18.00 – 18.50
In conversation with Isabel Herguera of “Sultana’s Dream”
Parallel events
Cultural Center of Hermoupolis
15.00-17.00
Meet the Directors: Lobbying Agora Event
Isabel HergueraES
Nancy Denney PhelpsBE
· 10’ Q&A
With the support of the Embassy of Spain in Greece the Cervantes Institute, Athens
Saturday 28.09
9.30 – 17.30
International Mifa Campus Pitching Forum Workshop
Sylvain GrainFR
Delphine NicoliniFR
Claire SichezFR
Open only to Pitching Forum Participants
10.00 - 13.00
Agora Presentations & Roundtables
10.00 - 10.30
Roundtable
Creative Europe MEDIA talks about the world of international coProductions
Olivier CatherinFR
Viviane VanfleterenBE
Anna Kasimati - Creative Europe Office GFCGR
Moderator
· 10’ Q&A
10.40 – 11.10
Roundtable
Distribution of Animation Films in Greece: Strategies and Prospects
Dafni Bechtsi – CinoboGR
Ioanna PanagiotidouRosebud.21GR
Irini SouganidouFeelgood EntertainmentGR
Athina KartalouEKKOMED Creative GreeceGR
Moderator
· 10’ Q&A
11.20 – 11.50
Roundtable
A new era for the audiovisual industry in Greece. Creative Greece meets animation
Leonidas Christopoulos CEO EKKOMEDCreative GreeceGR
Vassilis C. KaramitsanisGR
Irini SouganidouGRFeelgood EntertainmentGR
Sofia BeretanouEKKOMED Creative
GreeceGR
Moderator
· 10’ Q&A
12.00 – 12.30
Roundtable
Promoting animated films through International Film Festivals: Insider’s experiences and testimonies
