Eduardo Escudero, one of the founders of Spain’s A Contracorriente Films and Sabine Hofmann, CEO of Austria’s Filmcasino & Polyfilm, said an immediate focus of their tenure as the new co-presidents of Europa Distribution will be negotiations over the European Union’s proposed AgoraEU programme, which is set to replace Creative Europe from 2028.
Although Escudero welcomed that more money overall has been allocated for AgoraEU, he expressed concern about the “concept of flexibility” in the proposals, which means it is unclear how much money will be allocated to key film support programmes.
“We would like to know what we have. And hopefully they also come with new programmes to help us to do many new things, while keeping those that are working very well already.”
He said Creative Europe support has been a vital “safety net” for the “risky” business of film distribution.
There are two key support programmes for film distribution under the existing Creative Europe Media programme: the selective Films On The Move scheme, which supports groupings of distributors, co-ordinated by the sales agent of a title, for a common promotional campaign for a premiering European title; and the Automatic Support scheme, which helps distributors to acquire and promote non-national European works in their territories.
Europa Distribution has also traditionally been supported by Creative Europe under its Markets and Networking programme, which helps it to run workshops and conferences for distributors.
Hofmann said the box office showed signs of recovery in Europe in 2025, although the market had polarised with fewer high-performing films and sales agents were asking for increased minimum guarantees (MGs) from distributors for higher profile titles.
“Speaking for Austria, the cinemas recovered, distribution was alright. But what we are facing is that bigger titles are a bit risky and the smaller titles don’t really do well.”
Escudero said the rise in MGs requested by sales agents came despite the box office still being below pre-pandemic highs, weaker demand from TV broadcasters and streamers paying less for movies. “There are only about 10 titles coming from the big three festivals that really make sense and have potential. Everybody goes for them, and this increases the level of MGs. That in turn increases the price for those films in the second rank.”
Hofmann would like to see more support for distribution. “It is obviously extremely important to support film creation. But you have to continue that support until the moment the films join the audiences. Otherwise, why would you support the creation of a film that won’t be seen by anyone?”
Founded in 2006, Europa Distribution represents over 130 independent film distributors. It has traditionally had two co-presidents, one from a major market and the other from a smaller territory to ensure a diversity of views is reflected. Escudero has been elected for a second term as co-president, while Hofmann will serve for the first time.
The organisation, headed by manager Christine Eloy, represents distributors from across Europe, and also has members from Taiwan, Singapore, Brazil, Canada and Australia.
It has also elected a new board for the 2026-2029 period, comprising 13 distribution execs from 13 different territories (see below for full list)
Spanish film director and producer Rodrigo Sorogoyen, whose credits include The Beloved and The Beasts, has been named as honorary president of Europa Distribution. He takes up the role previously held by filmmakers such as Robert Guédiguian, the Dardenne brothers, Cristian Mungiu, Ursula Meier, and Isabel Coixet.
Europa Distribution board 2026-29
- Sabine Hofmann – Austria’s Filmcasino & Polyfilm
- Simon Wullens – Belgium’s Lumière Publishing
- Jan Macola - Czech Republic’s Pilot Film
- Kim Foss – Denmark’s Camera Film
- Kristi Porila – Estonia’s Filmstop
- Johanna Mayer – France’s Jour2Fête Distribution
- Björn Hoffmann – Germany’s Pandora Film
- Anastasia Plazzotta – Italy’s Wanted Cinema
- Marek Bień – Poland’s Gutek Film
- Luis Apolinario – Portugal’s Alambique
- Vincent Quek – Singapore’s Anticipate Pictures
- Eduardo Escudero – Spain’s A Contracorriente Films
- Gabrielle Rozing - The Netherlands’ Imagine Filmdistributie
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Third annual Screen UK Summit ‘Financing the future of UK film’ to take place in September
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