The evolving landscape of film festivals: A new era of cinema
Navigating the turbulence
In the heart of Santiago, Chile, a recent round table at Sanfic Industria titled “Film Festivals’ Present and Future” shed light on the evolving dynamics of film festivals. The discussion, featuring key figures from prominent Latin American festivals, underscored the resilience and adaptability of these cultural events in the face of public-sector cuts and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Voices from the forefront
The panel included Carlos Nuñez, artistic director of Sanfic; Ilda Santiago, director of the Rio de Janeiro Film Festival; and Estrella Araiza, managing director of Mexico’s Guadalajara Festival. They were joined by José F. Rodríguez, senior programmer at Tribeca, and Javier García Puerto, a programmer at Tallinn’s Black Nights Film Festival. These experts shared their insights on the current state and future prospects of film festivals, particularly those showcasing Latin American cinema.
A new normal in the festival circuit
Adapting to change
The pandemic has forced many festivals to rethink their strategies. For instance, the Tribeca Film Institute suspended its funding lines post-March 2020 and shifted its festival dates from mid-March to early June. This change, described by Rodríguez as a “roller coaster,” has led to new initiatives like a WIP showcase curated by financiers and distributors and an industry week of panels and meetings.
Similarly, the Rio Festival has seen a shift in its audience demographics. “Twenty years ago, Brazil was a long way from the rest of Latin America,” said Santiago. Today, thanks to increased co-production, the festival attracts young audiences eager to see Latin American films.
The importance of visibility
Latin America’s top markets—Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Chile—released 600 films last year, just 3% down from 2019. However, the combined box office revenue for these countries in 2023 was still 21% below 2019 levels. In this contracted market, visibility is crucial. Festivals and markets remain one of the few avenues for films to gain exposure. As Santiago pointed out, “We have ever less public, less theatres, less distribution. For whom are we producing more, and why and what does it serve?”
Shifting focus: Local and regional fare
Embracing homegrown talent
With more ambitious productions still grappling with pandemic-related challenges, local film market shares in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico remain modest. Consequently, Latin American festivals are increasingly focusing on showcasing homegrown talent. “The role [that festivals have] as a launch-pad for local, Latin, and Ibero-American talent is super important for us,” said Nuñez. Santiago and Araiza echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of supporting regional filmmakers.
Reducing the number of films
To enhance the visibility of each film, festivals are also reducing the number of films they screen. Guadalajara, for instance, showcased 194 films this June, a significant reduction from pre-pandemic numbers. “We could have 50, 60 more films, but we’re interested in giving visibility to each film,” Nuñez explained. Santiago, who used to program 400 films, now screens 200. At the Tallinn Black Nights Festival, the number of films has also decreased from 400 to around 300, including shorts.
Engaging new audiences
Reaching the younger generation
Festivals are increasingly focused on attracting younger audiences, who are leading the box office rebound worldwide. “There are a lot of young people, 20-30s, who are coming back to theatres,” said Nuñez. However, the 30s-50s demographic remains more hesitant, possibly due to their pandemic-induced streaming habits. Despite this, attendance at Sanfic is gradually increasing, now around 40,000.
The role of festivals
García Puerto raised an important question: “Why do we speak so much about co-production funds and we don’t talk about distribution funds? How many films can you produce which are never seen?” He suggested that festivals should focus more on creating audiences rather than just producing films. This shift in focus could help ensure that more films reach their intended viewers.
Personal reflections for cinema enthusiasts
As a cinema enthusiast, the evolving landscape of film festivals is both exciting and challenging. The pandemic has undoubtedly accelerated changes that were already underway, pushing festivals to innovate and adapt. The emphasis on local and regional talent is a positive development, offering a platform for diverse voices and stories that might otherwise go unheard.
For those passionate about cinema, these changes present an opportunity to discover new films and filmmakers. Festivals are not just about watching movies; they are about experiencing the magic of cinema in a communal setting, engaging in discussions, and celebrating the art of storytelling.
Discover new films
To explore some of the films mentioned in this article, check out the trailers and information pages:
By supporting film festivals and engaging with the diverse range of films they showcase, we can help ensure that the art of cinema continues to thrive in this ever-evolving landscape.