Featured MEdia
Supply Chains

Torsten Frehse, CEO of European Work in Progress (EWIP), expressed excitement about the event’s new collaboration in Hamburg, stating, “With this new cooperation in Hamburg, we really have the chance to build something new.” The eighth edition of EWIP will take place from September 29 to October 1, 2025, showcasing 27 late-stage projects and providing them with a platform for early recognition.

This year, EWIP is part of the Filmfest Hamburg Industry Days, which runs from September 29 to October 2. The event will also coincide with the International Film Distribution Summit (IFDS) and the Explorer Konferenz, enhancing its scope and partnerships.

In a recent conversation, Frehse shared insights about the changes and expectations for this year’s event. He noted that the move to Hamburg allows for greater collaboration with the Explorer Konferenz and the festival’s industry department, creating a broader event with more industry colleagues involved. Frehse hopes that in the coming years, EWIP will become a destination for European professionals, encouraging them to extend their stay beyond just EWIP and IFDS.

This year’s edition is also one day longer than last year’s, thanks to the partnership with the Explorer Konferenz, which has been running for several years and offers valuable perspectives from producers. This collaboration means that projects presented at EWIP will have access to a larger audience and network.

EWIP features 27 selected projects this year, similar to last year. Frehse mentioned that while it is challenging to identify specific trends, many projects are leaning towards a more cinematic approach aimed at engaging audiences. He expressed confidence that this year’s films will perform well at major festivals, similar to last year when around eight films were showcased at A-list events.

Regarding the definition of European films, Frehse stated that a film qualifies as European if it is a European co-production. The event also continues its tradition of including African projects, with two selected this year, and welcomes the participation of the African European Distribution Academy (AEDA).

EWIP has established long-term partnerships, but this edition introduces new collaborators that enhance the event’s offerings. The move to Hamburg has significantly increased the awards budget from €65,000 to €140,000. A new alliance, Northern Stars – Hamburg Film Partners, has contributed €55,000 for an award, comprising five companies: Loft Tonstudios, CineGate, Zeigermann_Audio, Optical Arts, and Zeitkostüm GmbH. Additionally, OneGate Media is joining for the first time, offering a cash award that includes a license purchase offer in Germany and Austria worth €20,000. This new award could significantly benefit some films and attract international buyers, marking a substantial advancement for the program.

Disclaimer: This article has been auto-generated from a syndicated RSS feed and has not been edited by Vitrina staff. It is provided solely for informational purposes on a non-commercial basis.