What's Happening?
The inaugural Book-to-Screen program at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) in Czechia was held on July 7th, featuring pitch sessions, matchmaking, and a think tank. The event was co-hosted and moderated by Joanna Szymanska, CEO & Producer
at Shipsboy, and was deemed a success by Niki Théron, Senior Manager International Projects & Film at Frankfurter Buchmesse. The program aimed to foster collaboration between the publishing and film industries, focusing on creating value and improving cooperation. The event included a think tank that encouraged participants to envision the future of these industries in 2035, discussing how they can work together more effectively. The program will continue its discussions at various partner events throughout the year, including Frankfurt Buchmesse and Berlinale.
Why It's Important?
The success of the Book-to-Screen program at KVIFF highlights the growing interest in adapting literary works for film, which can significantly impact both the publishing and film industries. By facilitating collaboration between these sectors, the program aims to streamline the adaptation process, potentially leading to more diverse and innovative film projects. This initiative could open new revenue streams for authors and publishers while providing filmmakers with fresh content. The program's focus on long-term collaboration suggests a shift towards more integrated industry practices, which could enhance the quality and variety of film adaptations available to audiences.
What's Next?
The discussions initiated at the KVIFF event will continue at other major industry gatherings, such as Frankfurt Buchmesse and Berlinale. These ongoing conversations are expected to refine strategies for collaboration between the publishing and film industries. Stakeholders from both sectors will likely explore new models for rights acquisition and content development, aiming to create a sustainable framework for future adaptations. The success of this inaugural event may encourage other film festivals to adopt similar programs, further strengthening the connection between books and films.











