The Key Announcements at Ventana Sur 2023

Ventana Sur 2023, a pivotal event in the Latin American film industry, marked a significant milestone in both its history and the broader context of international cinema. This article explores the major highlights, insights, and key announcements that were made during the event, particularly focusing on the strong support for the Instituto Nacional de Cine y Artes Audiovisuales (INCAA), the pivotal changes in the film market, and the emphasis on co-production.

The Larger Picture

At a high-level, the main thrust of the Ventana Sur 2023 forum was captured through the masterclass delivered by Cannes' head, Thierry Frémaux, and an impromptu speech by the director of San Sebastián Film Festival, José Luis Rebordinos. Both globally renowned figures underlined the crucial role of film and TV agencies in the cultural and economic landscape, supporting the continuation of INCAA.

These announcements followed the pledge made by Argentine President-elect Javier Milei during his campaign to close down Argentina’s state-backed film and TV agency if elected. Frémaux and Rebordinos essentially implored the Argentine public to recognize the importance of such cultural institutions, emphasizing their economic and cultural value by asserting that, for a South American nation, long considered a part of Western culture, supporting national film industries remains a priority.

Largest Attendance Yet

This year's festival witnessed a record-breaking turnout, with final attendance numbers soaring to 4,300, a significant increase of 30% compared to the previous year. The unprecedented attendee numbers can be attributed to several factors, most notably the introduction of exciting new sections such as Shoot the Book Fantasmática and Show Shorts, as well as the expansion of existing sections like El Principio del Film and Solo Series.

Furthermore, the pivot towards co-production was another significant highlight. A seismic shunt in international film business was evident, with a staggering 60% of the event's sections offering pitch sessions for co-production opportunities, necessitating on-site attendance. This market paradigm shift underscores the growing importance of international collaboration in the film industry.

Support for INCAA

Notably, Ventana Sur 2023 featured strong support for the Instituto Nacional de Cine y Artes Audiovisuales (INCAA), a state agency crucial for the development of Argentine cinema. Thierry Frémaux recieved an unexpected but well-deserved Special Recognition Award from Argentina's outgoing Minister of Culture, Tristán Bauer, for his continued support of Argentina's cinema industry. Frémaux's masterclass at the Cannes Film Week emphasized that while economic policies are crucial for a nation's growth, they should not jeopardize cultural institutions and industries.

José Luis Rebordinos also highlighted the importance of free and creative expression, asserting that any entity that proposes to shut down film institutes is not aligned with the values of cultural freedom and innovation. His speech resonated with the importance of maintaining institutions dedicated to the arts and cinema.

In conclusion, Ventana Sur 2023 highlighted a new phase in the Latin American film industry, characterized by a strong emphasis on co-production, international cooperation, and the preservation of cultural institutions like INCAA. The festival continues to play a pivotal role in fostering dialogue and growth in the film industry, ensuring that film remains a significant cultural and economic force in the region.

Key Takeaways:

Record turnout of 4,300 attendees Emphasis on co-production and international collaboration Support for INCAA and its role in supporting national industries

Related Topics:

Ventana Sur INCAA Co-production