AGORA Talks: November 1-5
The Festival places special emphasis on dialogue and the exchange of ideas, presenting a rich series of discussions aimed at professionals in the audiovisual sector. The goal of the AGORA Talks is to inform participants about new trends in film production, offer fresh perspectives, and pave the way for future collaborations in the field of cinema and the audiovisual arts.
The AGORA Talks are hosted in the Central Events Hall of the Music Center of the Municipality of Thessaloniki (Kountouriotou 17 Street, 54625), in collaboration with the Municipality of Thessaloniki.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1
12.00 - 13.30 AGORA Series Case Study: The Great Chimera, European series co-production in action
On the occasion of the new drama series The Great Chimera, we engage in a discussion about the challenges and opportunities of co-production financing, resources and expertise exchange, as well as the complexities of international collaborations. The upcoming series, which was filmed in Greece and Italy, is an adaptation of M. Karagatsis’ book of the same title, one of the most important Greek novels of the 20th century. The series will premiere early November on ERT.
Speakers:
Pier Giorgio Bellocchio, Producer - Mompracem
Stelios Cotionis, Producer - Foss Productions
Ferdinand Dohna, Head of Content and Co-production - Beta Film
Maria Kozakou, Program General Manager - Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT)
Moderation: Poly Lykourgou, Film critic - Flix.gr, Nova
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2
15.30 - 16.30 AGORA Series Talk: IP - Where do ideas come from?
The session explores how ideas spark, spread, and ultimately drive social change. From producing the hit series Adolescence to the impact of gaming storytelling, innovators in the audiovisual and publishing sectors reflect on how intellectual property can fuel dialogue, cultural exchange and new ways of thinking. By examining original IP and adaptations, development, international collaboration and transmedia storytelling, the panel highlights how creators can shape narratives that influence society.
Speakers:
Alisha Hasan, Founder & Chief Innovation Officer - Helsinki Film Lab (Gaming and Transmedia Lab)
Niall Shamma, C.O.O / C.F.O - Warp Films
Niki Théron, Senior Manager International Projects & Film - Frankfurter Buchmesse GmbH
Maria Chiara Ventura, Development Supervisor - Our Films
Moderation: Iosifina Grivea, Journalist, 24media.gr
17.00 - 18.30 AGORA Series Talk: Quick fix or long game - Rethinking the film–TV relationship
This discussion wishes to explore how streamers and broadcasters can transition away from past business models to embrace independent film and TV as meaningful, long- term investments to everyone’s benefit. The panel brings together industry voices to discuss new frameworks of collaboration, sustainable financing and the massive cultural impact of treating premium content as more than just filler.
Speakers:
Peter Carlton, Senior Executive Producer & Company Director - Warp Films
Maria Kozakou, Program General Manager - Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT)
Ypatia Kladoucha, Senior Programme Executive - ALPHA TV
Dionyssis Samiotis, Productions General Manager - Tanweer
Kostas Sousoulas, Chief Content Officer - MEGA TV
Faye Tsitsipi, Deputy Director Content Management - COSMOTE TV/ COSMOTE TELEKOM
Moderation: Nicholas Alavanos, CEO - Filmiki Productions & Board Member - Greek Producers Association
In partnership with Greek Producers Association (SAPOE)
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3
15.00 - 16.30 Funders as partners
As filmmakers set out to get their films made, one of the biggest needs is finding the right partners. Come hear from experienced funders who will speak about the best practices and their approach to working with filmmakers - from private investment and individual philanthropy to public and institutional funding. Leave the room with a plan to develop your film’s financial model and an understanding of how to work with your funding partners!
Speakers:
Ali Khechen, Film Training Senior Manager & Qumra Industry Senior Manager - Doha Film Institute
Anthony Muir, Senior Executive - Film i Väst
Denitsa Yordanova, Head of UK Global Screen Fund and International Funds - British Film Institute
Moderation: Caroline von Kühn, Executive Director - Oxbelly
In collaboration with OXBELLY
17.00 - 18.30 AGORA Bridge to the North presentation: Co-production opportunities with Finland
Bridge to the North welcomes Finland! AGORA’s most recent channel of collaboration, brings together the South and the North of Europe, welcoming each year a different guest country from the Baltic and Nordic regions. This initiative is designed to foster co-productions, synergies and cultural exchanges that can enrich the global film landscape. This synergy is made possible through the Festival’s collaboration with the Finnish Film Foundation, the Helsinki International Film Festival and the Finnish Film Affair and the support of the Embassy of Finland in Athens and the Finnish Institute at Athens.
Speakers:
Petri Kemppinen, Producer - Good Hand Production
Jaana Puskala, Head of International Department - Finnish Film Foundation
Michail Tsagkarakis, Director of Investments, Cash Rebate - Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center
Moderation: Zoe Kandyla, Head of Development and Production - Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4
15.00 - 16.30 Alternative financing: Unlocking the full financing potential of independent films
Across Europe, mounting pressure on public funds is driving independent film professionals to seek out alternative financing strategies that can help them succeed in a rapidly evolving landscape. Strategic economy expert Juliane Schulze will explore how producers can persuasively attract investors and collaborators to back their vision. This talk, curated by the MIDPOINT Institute, will also invite producer alumni from the Feature Launch program to exchange insights on presenting their projects to both audiences and financiers in ways that strengthen and refine their investment strategies for projects or companies.
Speaker: Juliane Schulze, Strategic creative economy expert
In collaboration with the MIDPOINT Institute
17.00 - 18.30 Innovate. Collaborate. Transform: Shaping the future of our industry
This session will delve into the critical role of innovation and collaboration in advancing our industry amidst rapid technological evolution. As new tools redefine production processes, cross-functional teamwork and cooperation become paramount. By pooling expertise and embracing contemporary technologies, we can unlock groundbreaking efficiencies, foster greater creativity and build resilience within our field. We will share valuable insights into how strategic partnerships and cutting-edge tools can optimize workflows, elevate production quality and empower us tonot only adapt to change, but actively shape the industry’s future.
Speakers:
Aleksi Hyvärinen, Producer - The Alchemist
Janine Jackowski, Producer - Komplizen Film GmbH
Moderation: Yorgos Tsourgiannis, Producer - Horsefly
In collaboration with ACE Producers
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5
15.00 - 16.30 Do it right: From concept to the festival circuit
You’ve invested significant money, time and effort to make your film. Now what? You want it seen and admired by audiences, but what’s the best way to achieve that? The festival circuit is vast, complex, and can be expensive. You need to know what’s best for you and your film. Join us for insights on how a smart festival strategy can bring visibility to your work and potentially help you secure a strong distribution deal.
Speakers:
Arianne Buhl, Film agent, Festival strategist - The RightOnes
Tajana Kosor, Festivals & Acquisitions - Heretic
Dorota Lech, Film curator - Toronto International Film Festival
Moderation: Pauliina Ståhlberg, CEO - Helsinki International Film Festival, Love and Anarchy
17.00 - 18.30 Smarter sets: Technology in the service of a greener industry
This talk explores how contemporary technologies, particularly AI, can advance ecological sustainability in film production. As the industry faces growing environmental challenges, AI offers innovative solutions to reduce energy use, minimize waste and streamline workflows. From optimizing set operations to enabling virtual production and data-driven decision-making, these tools help filmmakers assess environmental impact and implement greener practices without compromising creativity. By highlighting real-world examples and forward-thinking strategies, the talk demonstrates how technology can serve not just as a creative aid, but as a catalyst for sustainable filmmaking, empowering the industry to tell stories responsibly, while protecting the planet.
Speakers:
Bassam Alasad, Producer, Cultural organizer, Climate storytelling and Production consultant - Greener Screen
George Chatzivasileiou, PhD in Philosophy of ΑΙ, Author, Documentary director
Emma Doxiadi, Filmmaker, Sustainability coordinator - Everybodies
Moderation: Thodoris Georgakopoulos, Writer, Journalist
