Matthjis Wouter Knol – Director – EFM (European Film Market)
As we gear up for another exciting edition of the Berlin International Film Festival, we also get ready for this year’s EFM (European Film Market), one of the leading film markets in the world. We interview its new director, Matthjis Wouter Knol, who tells us about what to expect from this year’s EFM and also about his idea of what a film market should do and will do under his direction.
Every February the EFM (European Film Market) opens the grand doors to the Martin-Gropius-Bau and welcomes over 8,400 producers, buyers, sales agents, distributors, exhibitors and financiers to the first major film market of the year. It’s the first date in the industry’s calendar and regarded as an early indicator for the new film year. Their trusted organization and commitment to quality content from around the world brings together the right people at the right place and time, inspiring theconversations and connections that are the cornerstone of the business.
Some of the things on offer at the EFM this year are:
American Independents in Berlin is an initiative organized by the EFM, the Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP) and Sundance Institute. The screening series “IFP Selects” and “Sundance at EFM” showcase the best in new US indies to over 1,500 international buyers. The dedicated lounge on the second floor of the Martin-Gropius-Bau gives independent filmmakers a place to meet and promote their projects. In addition to the regular market screenings, the EFM is proud to present a new programme of high-quality television series at the Market on Monday and Tuesday, February 9 and 10. With a focus on Europe, these market screenings will highlight series from Germany, Scandinavia and the UK as well as North America and trends from around the world.
EFM Series, the bold new initiative from the European Film Market and the Berlinale Co-Production Market, is a platform for producers, broadcasters, buyers and distributors of series to meet, network and get down to business.
EFM Industry Debates, in cooperation with The Hollywood Reporter, Screen International and Variety, brings together international experts for three panel discussions focused on the current and future issues facing the industry. These high-profile events are presented by IFA. Meet the Docs is a powerful platform created by the EFM and the European Documentary Network (EDN) to facilitate networking among buyers, sellers, directors and producers of documentary films. German Cinema – LOLA@Berlinale is the EFM’s presentation of films long listed in the categories of feature, children’s and documentary film for the German Film Awards (aka Lola). The series is a joint project of the Berlin International Film Festival, German Films and the German Film Academy. At the Berlinale Talents Market Hub, EFM visitors get a first look at the 40 films developed during the Berlinale Talents Project Labs, presented by ten leading distributors at their stands in the Martin-Gropius-Bau. This initiative is in cooperation with the Berlinale Talents and is powered by Canon.
