EVENT
Industry event looks into new tecnologies.VR workshop 2019
Promising Film Projects and New Knowledge In 2021, when the Black Nights Film Festival celebrates its 25th birthday, Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event (I@T&BE) has its own notable anniversary. Within the two decades the summit has established a position as the busiest business platform and trade fair in Northern Europe for audiovisual industry professionals. By Egle Loor Photos by Janis Kokk, Aron Urb and Lilli Tölp
A
fter establishing Estonian Film Foundation’s new financing schemes in 2001, Estonian film started to revive. Projects interesting for international co-production and distribution appeared, and the time was ready for organising the first Baltic Event,” says Riina Sildos, founder of the event, when explaining the reasons for setting up the business platform. “In 2002, it was a showcase of Baltic projects as works in progress with 30 invited international guests. As we saw big interest for films from the region, the event gradually grew into what we see today the biggest co-production market,” she adds.
40
ESTONIAN FILM
Due to the results of the global health crisis, I@T&BE 2020 took place virtually last year, with over 900 guests. The 20th edition, taking place in 19-26 November 2021 is eager to welcome accredited guests again in pre-Christmas Tallinn. Marge Liiske, the head of Industry@ Tallinn & Baltic Event comments that even though 20 years has given a lot of experiences and the summit has established a notable position in the market, it is crucial for everyone in the field to up their game. “The development pace in film industry does not allow anyone to take a rest as new technologies and the overall market situation push the field to come up with fresh and exciting approaches.” The whole world has taken an active
position towards sustainability and greenturn and as any other major social change, it has a significant impact on the film industry. “During the summit we’ll take a look at recent technologies, virtual and green production, sustainability and discuss how to implement those principles in creating magical films.” She adds that sustainability should not be considered only in production-phase, but it should be kept in mind already when creating the scena rio. Sustainability and a look to the film industry’s future are the threads that join together the programme of this years’ summit – and it is also reflected in the organisation of the event - for accredited guests most of the programme is also available online at industry.poff.ee.
