This was Avant Première 2025

Avant Première 2025 brings together cultural broadcasting professionals for four days of screenings, discussions, and networking.

Over four days, industry leaders, filmmakers, and performers connected through exclusive screenings, important discussions, and networking.

The Opening Ceremony set the tone for an inspiring event, featuring a keynote by Peter Gelb (The Metropolitan Opera) and an insightful panel on the power of public service media. The evening concluded with a Special Screening of "Gustavia + The Black Prince".

Exciting new projects took the spotlight during the IMZ Performing Arts Documentary Pitching Session, where "Sounds of Religion" by Maria Willer and Eric Schulz won the €5,000 prize. The Sunny Side of the Doc Special Prize was awarded to "Maestro Notes – Beyond the Classical" by Mafalda Almeida from Galope Films, recognising its innovative approach to classical music storytelling.

Meanwhile, screenings included "Anastasia Kobekina – Now or Never", with a special guest appearance by the artist herself. Other notable guests included acclaimed director Peter Sellars and Markus Hinterhäuser, who shared insights into their work at the Salzburg Festival following the screening of "Salzburg Festival: The Gambler + Upcoming".

Innovation was a key focus throughout the event, with discussions exploring the latest technological advancements shaping cultural broadcasting. Panels examined the potential of virtual reality, AI-driven production techniques, and sustainable filmmaking practices. The evolving role of streaming platforms and new digital formats also sparked conversations about the future of content distribution.

The Golden Showreel Awards celebrated outstanding trailers, with honours going to Minerva Productions, EuroArts Music International, Accentus Music, and ORF – Austrian Broadcasting Corporation.

Avant Première's final discussions explored strategies to engage younger audiences, with insights from Azis Sadikovic, Daria Challah, and Nazanin Aghakhani in the *Visions for New Audiences* panel. The conversation highlighted the importance of adapting storytelling techniques and leveraging new media platforms to reach emerging generations.

This year Avant Première showcased 500 new productions, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the future of cultural media. From sustainability initiatives to innovative digital storytelling, it provided a platform for groundbreaking ideas that will shape the industry in the years to come.

Thank you to all who participated—we look forward to welcoming you again next year!