The Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) is set to host an international audiovisual conference in Lisbon from November 9 to 13, aiming to create conditions for increased coproduction and circulation of films among its member states. The conference, to be held at the Lusofona University, brings together policymakers, public television operators, producers, and international financing and cooperation organizations. The goal is to identify ways to develop joint projects and bring different markets closer together.
Despite the potential market size of approximately 300 million people, the circulation of audiovisual works among CPLP countries remains limited. The lack of information on national markets, differences in financing systems, and distribution obstacles hinder the development of a large-scale audiovisual industry. The CPLP Audiovisual Program (PAV III) coordinator, Mário Borgneth, acknowledges that the circulation of Lusophone works among local audiences is still very low.
The conference will discuss support systems for production, legal frameworks, financing mechanisms, professional training, and possibilities for circulation through public television, cinemas, and streaming platforms. Various organizations, including UNESCO, the Organization of Ibero-American States, Eurimages, Ibermedia, and the French National Cinema Center, will be present. The event marks the third edition of the CPLP Audiovisual Program, launched in 2015.
One of the key changes the program seeks to promote is a shift from cooperation to coproduction. While cooperation has focused on cultural and institutional exchange, coproduction involves the association of producers and entities around common projects, integrating financing, investment, and economic relations. This approach aims to stimulate the development of the audiovisual industry in Lusophone countries.
The conference will feature a range of stakeholders, including policymakers, producers, and international organizations. The event is expected to provide a platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the audiovisual industry in CPLP countries. The program aims to promote the creation of joint projects and strengthen the industry in the region.
In addition to the conference, the Lusofona University will host a film showcase, "Imaginários da Lusofonia," featuring films produced under the first edition of the CPLP Audiovisual Program. The event marks a decade of cooperation between the audiovisual sectors of CPLP countries. The program seeks to promote the development of a robust audiovisual industry in the region.
The CPLP Audiovisual Program aims to address the existing gaps in the industry, including the lack of data on economic activity and the limited circulation of audiovisual works. By promoting coproduction and cooperation, the program seeks to unlock the potential of the Lusophone market and create new opportunities for the industry.
Key points
- The CPLP conference aims to boost coproduction and circulation of films among Portuguese-speaking countries.
- The industry faces challenges, including limited circulation of audiovisual works and lack of data on economic activity.
- The program seeks to promote a shift from cooperation to coproduction, integrating financing, investment, and economic relations.
