The Next Decade of Global Indigenous Cinema
Indigenous Cinema Alliance Celebrates 10 Years at the 2025 European Film Market
February 05th, 2025
The Indigenous Cinema Alliance (ICA) is marking its 10th anniversary in 2025, with a special event hosted by the Embassy of Canada in Berlin, aimed at fostering cultural dialogue through the celebration of Indigenous cinema. The ICA, formerly known as the NATIVe Indigenous Cinema Stand, has been an official partner of the European Film Market (EFM) since 2015. This event plays a key role in bringing Indigenous filmmakers and their market-ready feature films to an international audience, showcasing global talent and promoting cultural exchange.
Managed by imagineNATIVE, ICA works alongside international partners, including film festivals, commissions, and institutes, to support and elevate Indigenous voices in the global film industry. One of the key initiatives under ICA's umbrella is the ICA Fellows Programme, launched in 2018, which helps Indigenous producers attend the EFM with market-ready projects. This professional development initiative offers networking opportunities, specialized training, and curated events that enhance their experience and help them succeed in the international market.
In 2024, ICA took a significant step by becoming a global sales agent for Indigenous films, expanding its role in promoting and distributing these important stories worldwide. This evolution enables ICA to support the global visibility and distribution of Indigenous cinema on an even larger scale.
At the 2025 EFM, ICA will showcase a selection of compelling Indigenous projects, including Two Old Women (USA/Canada), Savage (Canada/Italy), and The Ship That Wasn’t There (Greenland/Denmark). These films explore urgent themes such as climate change, language preservation, and environmental justice, offering rich narratives that highlight Indigenous perspectives on pressing global issues.
ICA will also present Bridging Borders, a segment focusing on innovative co-productions between Indigenous filmmakers. These projects seek to build international partnerships, bringing diverse Indigenous stories to global audiences. Roundtable discussions will explore alternative distribution methods, such as community screenings, online platforms, and Indigenous film festivals, giving filmmakers valuable insights into expanding their reach.
This 10th-anniversary celebration hosted by the Embassy of Canada underscores the importance of cultural dialogue and global collaboration, highlighting ICA's ongoing role in supporting Indigenous filmmakers and promoting the stories that shape their unique identities. Through this event, ICA continues to be a driving force in the global film industry, championing the voices and narratives of Indigenous communities worldwide.
Hosted by the Embassy of Canada to Germany, Berlin
Thursday, February 13th, 2025, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
