Documenta PRO. Distributing and exhibiting documentary film: Exploring the maze in the quest for audiences

Bottleneck. That's the first thing that often comes mind when discussing film distribution. This is such a real and complex problem that it absolutely conditions everything that goes into filmmaking, and documentary filmmaking in particular. Not just for our sector, but also for the public, who have the right to access heterogeneous and wide-ranging film offerings. We at DOCMA (Spanish Association of Documentary Film), along with the Madrid Film Office and as part of the Documenta Madrid film festival, are putting together this meeting on distributing and exhibiting documentary film in order to discuss other ways of distributing and broadening the perception of what it means to exhibit film, broadening our perspective to find the cracks in the complex reality of today's ever-changing market.

We will talk with experts, who will examine the both traditional and less conventional forms of distribution and explore different ways to reach out to audiences and different narratives. Though not all films might have their place in conventional channels of exhibition, each documentary does have its potential audience, which is essential to identify in order to open up the full range of distribution possibilities.

Two days to reflect and exchange experiences with renowned professional from the sector, a deep dive into the concerns and questions of the audience, not so much to get answers as it is to identify any existing tools that might be suited to different kinds of films.

Program curated by DOCMA
With collaboration from: Madrid Film Office

A professional meeting for engaging in dialogue, reflecting and learning more about the multifaceted nature of Spanish documentary film distribution, both nationally and abroad. Mercedes Moncada will be moderating the two days over the course of which professionals from the sector will share their knowledge of this field and explore the various scenarios and possibilities for exhibition. These meetings will be interspersed with four case studies of films distributed in Spain, whose creators and producers will share their experiences. The goal is to discuss the complexities of documentary film distribution and answer any questions about the sector during these sessions, which are designed in a way that encourages audience participation and creates a space for dialogue between professionals.

THURSDAY 30

9:30 AM. Accreditations open
9:45 AM. Kick-off session: institutional presentation
10:30 AM. Case study. Documentary: Contigo, contigo y sin mí, by Amaya Villar. With Amaya Villar (director) and Carlo D’Ursi (producer)
10:30 AM. Distributing in educational and cultural circuits: the audiences of the future
> Marta Sánchez. Audiovisual consultant and CEO of Pragda (Spain, USA)
> Helena Fernández. Cultural resources manager and CEO of Aula Films (Spain)

-BREAK-

12:00 PM. Experimental film and the Art circuits. With Sally Gutiérrez Dewar. Audiovisual artist, researcher, professor (Spain)
12:40 PM. Case Study. Documentary: H, by Carlos Pardo Ros. With Carlos Pardo Ros (director) and Silvia Cruz (distributor at Vitrine filmes)

-BREAK-

1:15 PM. Impactful distribution in non-fiction film. With Chelo Álvarez-Stehle. Director, producer (Spain, USA)
2:00 PM. Case Study. Documentary: Código Marcos, by Liena Cid and Patricia Pérez. With Liena Cid and Patricia Pérez (directors) and María López (producer).

FRIDAY 31

9:30 AM. Doors open
9:45 AM. The complexity of the distribution market. Getting the know the reality of it in order to get through it. With Silvia Lobo. Sales and distribution consultant, CEO of Stendhal Films (Spain)

-BREAK-

11:00 AM. Distribution of documentary film in Spain: sales and other distribution channels. With Tània Balló director and producer at Nina Produccions (Spain)
11:50 AM. Case study. Documentary: Shooting for Mirza, by Juan Gautier. With Manuel Diaz (producer)

-BREAK-

12:30 PM. Festivals and sales agencies: distribution strategies
> Darío Oliveira. Director Porto Post Doc (Portugal)
> Ana Saiz. Sales agent at Impronta films (United Kindgom)
> Ruth Somalo. Film programmer DOC NYC and Documenta Madrid (Spain, United States)
> Millán Vázquez-Ortiz. Distributor Agencia Freak (Spain)

1:30 PM. Planting seeds in the present under the threat of an uncertain future. With Paula Astorga (director DOCLISBOA)