A real quantum leap for the industry part of FILMFEST HAMBURG

Malika Rabahallah, Festival Director of FILMFEST HAMBURG: » The expansion of our industry program is a real quantum leap for the industry part of FILMFEST HAMBURG: We are offering the national and international industry the opportunity not only to get to know our beautiful city and festival but also to network, gain insights for future projects, and broaden their horizons. We would like to sincerely thank Torsten Frehse, who is bringing two major international industry events to Hamburg. With the expansion of our offerings, we are now providing real added value to all target groups – from producers and distributors to international sales agents, festival curators, and emerging filmmakers.«

Torsten Frehse, Head of European Work in Progress and International Film Distribution Summit: » EWIP has had seven successful editions and has now become a key fixture in the European industry calendar. IFDS has quickly established itself in just three years. However, we have reached a point where the event's development, particularly in light of the overall situation in the industry, should be redefined. In collaboration with FILMFEST HAMBURG, new connections are emerging to strategically link the format with other events. For example, the partnership with the Explorer Konferenz opens up entirely new opportunities to further develop EWIP and IFDS in a broader context. We have come to value Malika Rabahallah, Helge Albers, Kathrin Kohlstedde, and Fabian Massah in the past, and we are excited about this big joint step forward.«

Helge Albers, Managing Director of MOIN Film Funding: » Thanks to the increased funding from the red-green government coalition, FILMFEST HAMBURG can significantly expand its industry program. This is a major gain for the Hamburg film scene. With the already established Explorer Konferenz and the two new formats, FILMFEST HAMBURG will continue to grow in relevance for the German and European film industries.«

European Work in Progress (EWIP) is an independent industry event focused on European and German films with high quality and market potential. The event targets international sales agents, TV broadcasters, film festivals, and film distributors. The International Film Distribution Summit (IFDS), on the other hand, is specifically aimed at professionals in international film distribution. The summit focuses on international exchange, networking, and aims to provide new insights for future release strategies. Both EWIP and IFDS have previously been held during the Film Festival Cologne. Under the leadership of film distributor Torsten Frehse (Neue Visionen), both platforms have established themselves as significant industry events for European and German films.

Fabian Massah is the new head of INDUSTRY DAYS

»With Fabian Massah, we have gained an industry expert for our industry program who will help us take the industry part of FILMFEST HAMBURG to the next level with his expertise,” says festival director Malika Rabahallah. “Massah’s years of experience and his international network make him the ideal person to establish Hamburg as a central meeting point for the European film industry.«

Fabian Massah, Producer: » As a film producer, I see it as a great opportunity to strategically develop the Industry Days of FILMFEST HAMBURG and introduce new impulses for the industry. The focus is clearly on innovation in production and distribution. My goal is to create a program with inspiring guests and topics, strengthening Hamburg as one of the central meeting points for the German and international film and media industry. I’m excited about the fresh energy in the Hanseatic city – and looking forward to exploring new paths together with Malika Rabahallah and the fantastic teams of FILMFEST HAMBURG, EWIP, IFDS, and the Explorer Konferenz.«

Industry meetings with new impulses and proven formats

In addition to the new formats, FILMFEST HAMBURG will continue and further develop proven programs. The Explorer Konferenz remains a key part of the Industry Days, where current trends and challenges in European production work are discussed. Also, the ATELIER#25 in collaboration with the Semaine de la Critique Cannes, as well as the emerging talent initiative ENCOURAGE, will remain integral pillars of the program.

The FILMFEST HAMBURG INDUSTRY DAYS are scheduled to take place from September 29 to October 3, 2025.