The 23rd Europa Cinemas Network Conference opened with an emphasis on the passion, creativity and inventiveness of the network and its ability to adapt amidst a constantly changing cinema landscape. Addressing practical challenges, the network is placing greater emphasis on collaboration, commitment and action.

The 23rd Europa Cinemas Network Conference, in Vilnius, was opened by Simonas Kairys, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania who spoke about the importance of attracting young people, of continuing film education and the involvement of the school system. In his four years as Minister of Culture, he has sought to bolster culture. “Cinema has a horizontal value,” he said, “that connects all values together.” Kairys spoke too about the economic, social and political weight of cinema, a language that allows us to communicate, even when we don’t share the same language. But this language requires support and active engagement, “For cinema to remain strong and active, it needs to find as many eyes as possible.”

Next to speak was Lucia Recalde, Deputy Director Media Policy & Head of Unit Audiovisual Industry and Media Support Programmes, DG Connect, European Commission who gave an emotive speech, including a welcome and full access to the Creative Europe programme for Ukraine.

At a time where there is what she called “growing dissatisfaction with our democracies and deep uncertainties for Europeans,” the importance on uniting Europeans is more important than ever, something Recalde credits Europa Cinemas with doing.

“Europa Cinemas is one of the greatest successes of Creative Europe – not just Media, but the whole of Creative Europe,” Recalde enthused. “There will be increased pressure on the budget but we believe we can produce an adequate budget for the future,” she continued, commending the ambition and relevance of the network.

“I think the success goes to you and to Fatima and her team. We are immensely proud of your achievements and see a bright future for you. You have, in the European Commission, a trusted partner and a long-standing partner, so let’s continue to work together and nurture your passion, creativity and inventiveness.”

Mathias Holtz and Fatima Djoumer both thanked the Commission for recognising cinema’s role in arts, creativity, democratic structures and social cohesion. This year’s conference topic of adapting to the changing cinema landscape only further demonstrates the strength of the network in improving through innovation and collaboration.

Since the last conference in 2022 in Paris, the European box office recovered partly and cinema audiences have returned, especially young audiences but, Djoumer said, “There are still discrepancies between countries where infrastructure and skills need development. Support is vital to our sector.” There is a practical challenge, she cited, in ensuring vital skills innovation and best practice reach all areas of the network.

There are record numbers of exhibitors joining workshops, labs, now boot camps – with the first seven taking place in recent months – and the growth of network membership is a testament to how the members work and develop collaboratively, including for the guidelines for new initiatives such as Collaborate to Innovate and Boot Camps.

As the network continues to be adaptable and resilient in what Holtz describes as “a time of geopolitical turmoil”, collaboration across borders is more important than ever. The network continues its work to ensure the importance of defending the freedoms we all hold dear and the preservation of cultural diversity and democracy prevail through the circulation and engagement with European cinema.

Photos courtesy of Gediminas Gražys