Locarno highlights the growing impact of streaming platforms on arthouse cinema and movie theatres. The ongoing digital revolution in creating and consuming audiovisual content challenges the industry more than ever. Platforms like Netflix and Amazon have altered all previous models of production and – especially – distribution. Is this transformation disruptive? Does it present an opportunity or a threat to auteur cinema and theatres? In 2017, the Locarno Festival’s Industry Days will focus on this increasingly important issue.
As part of the 5th StepIn event, representatives of global streaming platforms, exhibitors and distributors will discuss the theatrical experience and the future of arthouse cinema in the age of global streaming platforms and social networks. With MUBI’s Bobby Allen (UK) and Alamo Drafthouse’s Tim League (US) as keynote speakers, this think tank hopes to encourage collaborations between global platforms and the theatrical players by sparking a necessary dialogue among all concerned industry players.
“Global streaming platforms play a key role in the production and exploitation of feature films today. Whether you like it or not, this new landscape is a reality everyone in the film industry should deal with. The digital trends impact the theatrical experience, engender new distribution strategies or require exhibitors to innovate. It’s important that festivals take the responsibility of exploring these issues. By encouraging an interdisciplinary dialogue, StepIn is meant to spark new ideas, strategies, solutions and opportunities,” says Nadia Dresti, Locarno Festival’s Deputy Artistic Director and Head of International.
StepIn kicks off the Industry Days on Thursday, August 3rd, 2017, in partnership with Europa Cinemas, Europa Distribution and Europa International.
The 70th edition of the Locarno Festival takes place from August 2 to 12, 2017.
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