The official programme the 3rd edition of the International Film Distribution Summit - IFDS is certain. The IFDS is an international conference focussing on innovative distribution work in a changing public sphere. Numerous talks, panels, masterclasses and informal discussions will focus on the question of how distribution models from around the world are adapting to the current situation. Is it about creating synergies between distributors, cinemas and streaming services or about applying creative strategies to ensure a long and successful life for cinema films? The discussions of the IFDS will provide both concrete solutions and visionary ideas for the future.

The IFDS takes place this year from 15 to 17 October in Cologne with warm-up panels on 15 October, and is sponsored by the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW, of the German Federal Film Board (FFA), the Creative Europe MEDIA Programme of the European Union and the City of Cologne. The co-operation partner is the Creative Europe Desk NRW.

The 3rd edition of the IFDS offers a distribution-specific discussion and networking programme that addresses the causes of the massive upheavals within the global cultural industry. In 2024, the focus will be on the latest and most innovative distribution strategies in the B2C (business-to-consumer) sector. Among other things, targeted approaches for addressing the younger cinema generation will be presented and discussed. What new communication channels are there in the children's film sector, among others? What profile characterises the emerging young film superfans and what strategies can be used to reach this target group? What influence do film communities have as new opinion leaders? The IFDS will present and discuss various business models from many different parts of the world. Which techniques can be used to make day-to-day rental work easier, better and more efficient? How can data be utilised most efficiently for the design of marketing campaigns? How can synergies be created between distribution, cinema and streaming services? These and of course many other questions will be addressed by speakers from all over the world at the IFDS 2024 place.

You can find the entire programme here.

Source: Media Foundation NRW