On 19 May, the Gothenburg Film Festival presented the twelfth edition of its annual Nostradamus Report at the Marché du Film in Cannes. The report with the title "Reality/Resistance" (Reality/Resistance) was written by media analyst Johanna Koljonen and sheds light on the future of the audiovisual industry in a time of global crisis and profound upheaval.
The Nostradamus Report has been analysing the rapid developments in the film and media world since 2013. Based on extensive research and interviews with industry experts, it offers a well-founded outlook on the changes to come. This year's edition emphasises that the film industry must learn to stop avoiding reality and instead face it actively and resiliently. The report calls for a new self-image - one that protects creative freedom, takes responsibility and turns more towards the audience again.
In a world characterised by uncertainty, wars, economic instability and the dismantling of democratic structures, traditional forecasts are becoming less important. Instead, strategic preparation and structural resilience are needed. The global networking of the industry brings with it very different challenges - from inflation to censorship - but the call for solidarity unites many players. In this situation, art becomes political, whether intentionally or not. The report therefore calls for a conscious defence of editorial independence and warns against self-censorship and ideological influence.
At the same time, Hollywood's role as a global pacesetter is weakening, opening up new opportunities for local and international filmmakers. The report predicts that more diverse narratives with a broad impact will emerge in the coming years - driven by new voices, different aesthetic approaches and alternative centres of power. However, in order to make this development sustainable, the industry must also undergo structural renewal. The traditional models of material development and distribution are no longer up to date. Instead, the report argues in favour of more flexible, interdisciplinary working methods and experimental forms of addressing audiences.
The need to focus more strongly on local target groups is also particularly emphasised. In times of shrinking public support, this is not only a question of survival, but also a question of social relevance. Films are not only art, they also have an important cultural and public function. The connection to the local audience is essential.
Despite all the challenges, the report does not end on a pessimistic note. Rather, it emphasises how many impressive films and series are currently being created - often under difficult conditions. New technologies and more affordable means of production are enabling more people to tell their stories. Therein lies hope, inspiration and the potential for a new generation of filmmakers.
The Nostradamus Report 2025 was presented in Cannes as part of the "Cannes Next" programme by Johanna Koljonen. Afterwards, producers Roman Paul (Razor Film) and Katarina Tomkova (kaleidoscope & Punkchart films) discussed key themes of the report on a panel.
The Nostradamus project, initiated by the Gothenburg Film Festival, continuously monitors the future of the film and media industry. It is supported by partners such as BoostHBG, German Films, Kulturakademin, Lindholmen Science Park as well as funding from Creative Europe MEDIA, Nordisk Film & TV Fond and the Västra Götaland region.
The Gothenburg Film Festival presents the Report Reality/Resistance can be downloaded free of charge as a PDF.