KEYNOTE #2 Still Worth It? Global Documentaries in an Age of Uncertainty

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International co-production has long been the backbone of documentary filmmaking, enabling ambitious stories to be told across borders. But today the model is under unprecedented pressure. In this keynote, the Oscar-winning producer Helle Faber offers a candid view of a market in flux: traditional financing sources are narrowing, public media support is shrinking, and the dominance of global streaming platforms is reshaping what kinds of documentaries get made—and seen. Even award-winning films increasingly struggle to secure meaningful distribution. What does this moment of turbulence mean for the future of international co-production? Why does collaboration remain essential? Drawing on her experience at the heart of the industry, Helle Faber will reflect on how producers can adapt, what new partnerships may emerge, and what must change for bold, globally relevant documentary stories to continue reaching audiences.