This transversal course offers a critical examination of the main cultural, political, and economic issues involved in the distribution of cinematic and audiovisual works. What types of audiovisual works are shown today? In which festivals or on which platforms are they programmed and why? What does a festival bring to an audiovisual work, its audience, and its creator(s)? How do festivals adapt to changes in audience habits? What forms of distribution might be imagined for the future? What is festival programming and film distribution today?
This workshop is aimed at students who wish to understand the ecosystem of film festivals and various distribution strategies in order to distribute audiovisual works. It aims to equip students with knowledge about the history, structure, and current challenges of film festivals. Through professional examples, case studies (films, festivals, and VOD platforms), and various meetings, it provides students with key insights to identify the profiles of certain festivals and develop their own distribution strategies.
As part of this course, students also have the opportunity to visit festivals, discover previously unseen films, and meet festival programmers and other professionals involved in the distribution of audiovisual works. Students can thus develop their own distribution strategy for audiovisual works, prepare the necessary materials for distributing a work, practice presenting films publicly, and understand the challenges of programming within festivals.