We would like to thank all of our partners, without whom the MDAG Industry program would not have grown so quickly:
CO-FINANCING:
MAIN PARTNER:
CANAL+ Poland
Award funder: CANAL+ Poland Award for the best pitch - 3,000 euros „The cooperation between CANAL+ Poland and initiatives supporting polish documentary productions has a long history. We are proud to support creative directors and tell real stories from the world around us. Our documentary productions and co-productions, which have won numerous awards at Polish and international festivals, can be viewed on the CANAL+ online platform. Being part of the MDAG festival and a partner of the INDUSTRY section is a great opportunity for us to see new, interesting topics and exceptional filmmakers. We are very pleased that we will be able to present the award for the best international pitching during this year’s edition. We support those who tell stories, and do it well.” - says Katarzyna Kostecka, producer of documentaries for CANAL+ Poland.
PARTNERS:
AUDIOTEKA
Audioteka is a leading platform for audiobooks and podcast production, offering access to thousands of titles in multiple languages. Our app enables listening to favorite books and podcasts covering a wide range of topics, allowing for knowledge expansion anytime, anywhere. With a user-friendly interface and customization features, everyone can find something for themselves. We support authors, publishers, and readers, creating a space for spoken word enthusiasts. Together with MDAG, Audioteka is preparing a documentary film podcast titled "Reality Check."
POLISH FILMMAKERS ASSOCIATION
The Polish Filmmakers Association (Stowarzyszenie Filmowców Polskich) is Poland’s largest organisation of film professionals. The Association promotes Polish film domestically and abroad, supports talented young filmmakers, and produces debut films. The Association is a member of the leading international audiovisual organisations. As an entity involved in collective copyright management, it cooperates with similar institutions around the world.
SMAKJAM
SMAKJAM is a post-production studio operating for 16 years with offices in Warsaw and London. We provide high-quality image and sound post-production services for the television, film, and advertising industries. We collaborate with both international media corporations and independent creators, offering support at every stage of post-production.
SOUND MIND
Sound Mind Studio was founded and is run by Michal Fojcik - an acclaimed sound director, member of the Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE) association, responsible for the sound of such films as: "White Courage," "Pianoforte," "Escape to the Silver Globe" and "Hyacinth." The studio offers full audio post-production for feature films, documentaries and animated films.
KIPA
The Polish Producers Alliance (KIPA) was established more than 20 years ago and is one of the largest independent business organizations, boasting over 170 member entities. Among these entities are production companies specializing in film, television, and advertising, as well as film schools and regional film funds (RFF). Since its inception in 2000, KIPA has played a crucial role in the development of the Polish audiovisual industry. The primary goal of KIPA is to represent the economic interests of its members, particularly before the government and key players in the audiovisual market. The chamber facilitates the integration of producers, serving as a platform for the exchange of experiences and collaboration. Additionally, it disseminates information about current legislative amendments, including those related to taxation, and highlights the most significant events in the industry. KIPA provides access to legal services offered by leading practitioners specializing in audiovisual sector issues. It also shapes and popularizes the principles of professional ethics. Moreover, the alliance organizes training sessions and workshops for professionals and promotes the work of its members.
INSTITUTE OF DOCUMENTARY FILM
The Institute of Documentary Film (IDF) has been supporting creative documentary films from Central and Eastern Europe since 2001. The IDF provides both emerging and experienced filmmakers with training, financing, networking and pitching opportunities, helps them get international attention and co-productions, rewards the exceptional projects with awards and further opportunities and improves their orientation on the international market. The promotional and practical service of the IDF includes a wide range of online and offline catalogues being created annually, updating a thorough database of CEE documentaries and professionals and a calendar of important deadlines for producers, and bringing news from the world of documentary film in general via dokweb.net and social media. To the audience of documentary enthusiasts, the IDF also brings a rich program of lectures, presentations and screenings in their home regions or during the IDF’s industry events.
CENTRUM KULTURY FILMOWEJ ANDRZEJA WAJDY
The Andrzej Wajda Centre for Film Culture is a Warsaw-based institution dedicated to film, carrying out important tasks related to the promotion of culture and film education. We organize film screenings, discussion clubs, film music concerts, exhibitions, workshops for children and youth, panels, and conferences. We create educational programs and are present online through the vod.warszawa.pl platform. We operate at Aleje Ujazdowskie 20, and in three years, we will reopen the Tęcza cinema in Żoliborz.
We encourage filmmakers to create documentary films for children and youth as part of the SKOK W DOK Documentary Ideas Laboratory program, producers and broadcasters, film funds, distributors, to produce and introduce them to the market (through pitches and the Documentary Film Forum for Young Audience organized annually during the Millennium Docs Against Gravity film festival), teachers, and parents to use such films in education (we provide films and educational materials, organize workshops and courses). We are the organizers of the LET’S DOC Documentary Film Festival for Young Audience.
PAPAYA FILMS
Established in 2006, Papaya Films is a dynamic production company fostering a diverse community of creatives including directors, photographers, and cinematographers. Embracing innovation, we strive to deliver top-notch work, constantly challenging ourselves to experiment and evolve. Our collaborative spirit has made us a trusted partner for leading agencies, brands, and artists worldwide, earning nearly 100 global awards. With offices in London, New York, Warsaw, and Lisbon, our international team enables us to tackle a wide range of projects with agility. Committed to nurturing emerging talent, our Papaya New Directors program provides opportunities for up-and-coming creators to work on real client briefs. Additionally, our Papaya Originals initiative allows us to explore non-commercial projects, fueling our creativity and reinforcing our mission to be the premier independent production company globally.
PITCH THE DOC
Pitch the Doc creates a market platform focused on curated documentary film projects and dedicated to professionals. It acts as an online hub that brings together all the parties involved: filmmakers, producers, decision makers, but also events, programs and networks. Combining documentary expertise with digital solutions, it supports the market activity of emerging and established professionals, as well as contributes to various industry initiatives.
ZWIĄZEK ZAWODOWY FILMOWCÓW
The Filmmakers’ Trade Union was established to unite the film community and protect the rights of those working in audiovisual production. We aim to elevate the quality of Polish films by enhancing our skills, improving working conditions, and ensuring safety. Our goals include setting positive work standards, implementing unified regulations, and upholding contractual agreements, especially regarding compensation, professional ethics, and industry safety. We will focus on establishing and enforcing work hour limits. Additionally, we will provide legal assistance, negotiate working conditions, and represent members in disputes. To support colleagues in need, we will develop a social program and create a relief fund for on-set accidents, complemented by group insurance for union members in the future.
MAZOVIA WARSAW FILM COMMISION
Mazovia Warsaw Film Commission is a regional film commission that focuses on supporting local filmmakers and producers through activities that contribute to the professionalization of the film industry. At the same time, the commission promotes the region and its film and production potential by encouraging Polish and foreign filmmakers to shoot their movies in Warsaw and Mazovia region. In addition, since 2010, the Mazovia Warsaw Film Fund has been a co-producer of animated, documentary and feature films. During this time, the fund has supported more than 100 productions.
Special thanks to The National Ethnographic Museum, in whose beautiful spaces this year's MDAG Inudstry is held.
