Interview with Ada Solomon, chair of the European Film Academy

Ada Solomon is a renowned producer and the chair of the European Film Academy. She is currently promoting her film I Matter at the Venice Film Festival 2026, where it is competing in the Spotlight Section. She also took part in two panels: “Recognizing the creative Contribution of Producers” and “The Role of Film Education in Attracting young Audience”, organized by

The importance of supporting a first time Roma director and the journey to Venice

Ada Solomon discusses her pride in presenting I Matter, the first film by a Roma woman filmmaker to be an official selection at an A-class festival. She emphasizes the long development process, which spanned about five years, involving workshops, script refinements, and international collaborations. Solomon highlights the significance of including the film’s young cast—actors from an orphanage—in the festival screening, marking a milestone for Roma representation in European cinema. She underlines the importance of a dedicated creative team, especially the producer, as the backbone of a film’s success. Her collaboration with various international workshops and markets, including Thessaloniki and Les Arcs, has been vital in shaping the project from its inception to its premiere.

Empowering young Audiences and Film Education Initiatives

Ada Solomon shares her perspective on attracting young audiences to cinemas, noting a positive trend of youth returning to theaters in Romania. She stresses the importance of original, compelling content that resonates with the younger generation’s experiences and emphasizes the European Film Academy’s role through initiatives like the Young Audience Award. This program allows young viewers across Europe to actively participate in selecting outstanding films, fostering a stronger connection to cinema. She also highlights the Academy’s efforts to involve emerging talents under 35 in its membership, encouraging their active involvement in shaping European cinema, from programming to decision-making.

The role of the European Film Academy in fostering new talents and diversity

Ada Solomon elaborates on the European Film Academy’s initiatives to support young professionals, including special conditions for members under 35. She discusses the upcoming European Film Awards in Athens, Greece, where young talents are encouraged to participate and attend the event. Solomon emphasizes the importance of building a vibrant community of young filmmakers, distributors, and festival programmers who can influence the future of European cinema. She advocates for continuous efforts to incorporate fresh perspectives, promote diversity, and ensure that European cinema remains innovative and accessible to new generations of audiences.