Agora Talk Agora Cross-border: Basque Country

Four projects from the Basque Country were showcased within the framework of the Agora Talks of the 28th TiDF, as part of a new collaboration initiative designed to strengthen connections between delegations of producers from different countries and regions and international industry professionals.

The Agora talk Agora Cross-Border: Basque Country, organized in partnership with Basque Audiovisual (Zineuskadi), took place at the Music Center of the Municipality of Thessaloniki. A delegation of four producers from the Basque Country had the opportunity to present their projects to accredited guests, offering insight into the region’s vibrant audiovisual landscape.

The discussion was moderated by Hermione Efstratiadou, producer and consultant (Films Out There), who emphasized that the initiative aims to build meaningful connections between filmmakers and producers from diverse regions and the international audiovisual industry. Ione Feijoo from Basque Audiovisual introduced the Basque Country’s dynamic film sector and highlighted the organization’s mission to promote Basque audiovisual productions in international markets and festivals, while also noting the significant number of production companies operating in the region.

The first project presented was Before My Shadow, introduced by producer Nagore Eceiza (EL SANTO Films). Eceiza presented the film’s two central characters and the core idea behind the story, explaining that the project is currently in production. She expressed optimism that filming will be completed by the end of the year.

The second project, Butterflies, was presented by Zuri Goikoetxea, screenwriter, director and producer at Doxa Producciones. Goikoetxea spoke about her connection to the story, which focuses on queer performers from the Basque Country who created a significant drag show, exploring the challenges of being a queer person in a small community. Currently in development, the project has secured half of its budget and is seeking sales agents.

The third project, Voices from the Woods, was presented by Marta Gómez Calderón, screenwriter, director, and producer at Al Borde Films. Inspired by the life of an Italian performer and artist, the film explores how the natural environment becomes a means of expressing fear, pain, and personal transformation. The project is currently in a creative development stage, with emphasis on shaping the material and establishing its atmosphere.

The fourth project, On the Roads, was introduced by director Iratxe Fresneda. The film follows two women traveling from Berlin to Spain in the 1930s, exploring themes of freedom, love, and discovery. Producer Gentzane Martinez De Osaba from Marmoka Films and Bide Guztiak AIE emphasized the importance of highlighting women’s legacy and strength, noting that the project is in production and already looking ahead to potential festival premieres.

The presentation concluded with thanks to the four Basque producers for their participation and for presenting their projects to accredited industry professionals.