Young Professionals Day
The Young Professionals Day is the place to be for graduating film-, animation- and drama students, young professionals, and others starting out in the film industry. In a panel discussion, moderated by Bo Alfaro Decreton, filmmakers and other professionals will discuss the importance of personal commitment in the creative process. What impact does the creator's perspective have on the themes they explore? Do creators remain closer to their own environment? What ethical considerations are involved in making a film? Afterwards, Sabam, Playright, ABRACA and other partners will join in for roundtable discussions, guiding young creators and students through the intricacies of the film industry. The event concludes with a networking drink.
Free registration required
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Young Professionals Day
Free registration below
Practical information
Date: Tuesday, December 1 2026, 3 - 6 PM
Location: STUK Café, Naamsestraat 96, 3000 Leuven
Timetable
3:00 PM: Panel discussion on the importance of personal involvement in the creative process
4:00 – 5:30 PM: Round table discussions on various topics
5:30 – 6 PM: Network drink
Panel discussion on the importance of personal involvement in the creative process, moderated by Bo Alfaro Decreton.
As a filmmaker, you tell stories within a specific context. Who or what do you represent? How does the creator’s perspective influence the themes they explore? Gawan Fagard (researcher and lecturer in film studies, media, and cultural theory, and co-founder of Cinemaximiliaan), Zohra Benhammou (filmmaker and casting director) and Isabelle Tollenaere (filmmaker) will join the discussion.
Do creators remain closer to their own environment and own experiences? Does this lead to an impoverishment or an enrichment of themes? Have creators been increasingly asserting their right to tell their own stories in recent years? Can every creator tell any story? What ethical concerns might arise? How can you avoid self-censorship while still consciously reflecting on the choices you make or the positions you take?
Roundtable discussions on various topics
Round table 1: Distribution & festival strategy
Speakers: Hors du Bocal & Breedbeeld. Moderator: Dalton Distribution
Round table 2: Distribution & festival strategy
Speakers: Dalton Distribution & Agence du Court Métrage. Moderator: Kortfilmfestival Leuven
Your film is finished; now what? How do you make sure it reaches the audience it deserves? At this table, sales agents, distributors and programmers will explain the different possibilities for your film.
Round table 3: Actors
Speakers: Zohra Benhammou (casting director), Philine Janssens (intimacy coördinator). Moderator: Alain Van Goethem (PlayRight)
Are you a beginning actor eager to learn more about the casting process in audiovisual productions and how intimacy and nudity are handled on set? Then join this round table.
Round table 4: Contracts, statuses & earning models
Speakers: Scenaristengilde & Cultuurloket. Moderator: Sabam
Round table 5: Contracts, statuses & earning models
Speakers: deAuteurs & Amplo. Moderator: Unie van Regisseurs
What should you pay attention to when signing an author’s contract with a producer? Under which employment status should you work, and what is the most advantageous earning model for your situation? The speakers at this table will provide clear answers to these questions.
Round table 6: Animation
Jasmine Elsen (Regisseur Two Ice Creams Please), Laure Van Medegael (Producer van Pimple productions), Tomas Craps (Animator en character designer). Moderator: Sura Dohnke (Coördinator ABRACA)
What are the challenges for emerging animators and animation filmmakers? These experienced speakers will guide you through them.
The main language of this event will be English.
Also interesting for young professionals on this day: Master Talk: Teodora Ana Mihai at 6PM
Partners: Sabam, Playright, mediarte, ABRACA, Dalton Distribution, deAuteurs, Unie van Regisseurs, Scenaristengilde, Cultuurloket, Amplo, Agence du Court Métrage
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