Cinekid for Professionals presents the “You do...you” industry programme

Cinekid for Professionals presents its international industry programme running from October 29th to November 1st. This year Cinekid Festival, the world’s largest media and film festival for children, welcomes more than 370 children’s media professionals from 38 countries. The industry meets at the vibrant key location of Cinekid festival, Pathé Amsterdam Noord, where kids discover films, series, games and the legendary MediaLab. The film I Accidentally Wrote a Book from Nora Lakos, is a former Script LAB and Director’s LAB project, and will have its world premiere at Cinekid Festival. Mascha Halberstad’s Fox and Hare Save the Forest, which was part of the Junior Co-Production Market last year, is screened in competition. With the theme “You do...you” Cinekid celebrates makers who stand for who they are, for what they make, and dream.

On 31 October, the interactive conference Industry Forum will explore innovative storytelling that celebrates diversity, individuality, and self-expression. A highlight of the day will be the opening keynote by Rikke Flodin (Will & Agency), who will present findings from the groundbreaking research project Keeping Up with Children as an Audience. Based on insights from 374 children across Europe, Flodin will reveal what young viewers value most in film and media. The day will conclude with a visionary presentation by new media artist Tamara Shogaolu, whose interdisciplinary practice platforms the urgent stories of marginalized voices. Her closing keynote titled Glitching the Real: Games That Reconnect Us will explore how gaming can transcend mere distraction to restore our connection with the world. In addition to the keynotes, the Forum will feature 10 thematic tables with over 30 expert speakers covering critical current industry topics. Themes will range from audience design strategies and reimagining cinema spaces to body image in children’s film. Case studies of films, games, and immersive projects will provide deeper connections with the creators whose works are showcased during Cinekid. The full Industry Forum program will be announced on October 17.

The Cinekid Script LAB, a distinctive international programme for scriptwriters providing tailored training in writing for young audiences, is ready for its 11th edition. The programme launches in Amsterdam during Cinekid Festival this October and will end after the Berlinale. In total eighteen writers developing thirteen films and series from twelve countries will join, guided by internationally acclaimed script coaches.  We are thrilled to welcome both new participants and two returning alumni. This year’s selection will include one documentary, four animation films, and three series. Over the week the writers will participate in coaching sessions, special workshops, and our Ask Your Audience sessions where they will receive direct feedback from their target audience: the kids.

This year 19 projects will be presented to the industry, including 11 films, seven series and one work-in-progress.  Over three days, projects will be presented to the industry and will participate in one on-one meetings with interested professionals. Projects also participate in the Ask Your Audience session. 19 projects are selected – including 12 films and 7 series, from 29 majority production countries, of which ten are animations and eight live action projects. 18 of these are in development, one is a work in progress. Four awards will be presented to the best projects in the Junior Co-production market, including, for the first time, the Council of Europe’s Series Co-Production Development Award, worth €50,000 euros.

Cinekid for Professionals and Young Horizons Industry jointly offer a programme that gives producers working in children’s content access to essential workshops, key networking opportunities, and valuable feedback from experts. In this year's edition, 16 selected producers, from 11 countries, will engage in a series of sessions and workshops focused on audience development and audience awareness approaches, as well as pitch deck creation. The programme will also include case studies of successful European projects in collaboration with our partners.

The still in the header is from the film ‘ I Accidentally Wrote a Book’, (directed by Nora Lakos), © Daniel Reich