This year's Berlinale European Film Market Industry Debates, which will take place between 10 and 12 February, will focus on three subjects: promises and reality of digital distribution, innovations in film sales and marketing, and challenges and opportunities in the Arab film industry. The European Film Market (EFM) is a film industry gathering during which film buyers, sellers, producers, distributors and financiers, along with representatives of the global TV, Home Entertainment and New Media market, become informed on the latest productions and developments in the global film scene, discuss film rights and create business networks. Every year, the EFM Industry Debates, held as part of the EFM program, bring together a panel of entertainment experts from all around the world to discuss a given topic surrounding current developments in the film and entertainment industry. Among this year's topics are the challenges and opportunities in the Arab film industry. The debate, which will be moderated by Variety magazine author Nick Vivarelli, will address the increase in investment and screens in the Gulf and the lagging investments in Egypt and other countries; the creative and commercial challenges imposed on directors and producers by the rise of pay-TV and SVOD (Subscription video on demand); as well as the region's overall prospects. The aim of the discussion, which will be held on 11 February, from 4 to 5pm is to find out the best way to navigate the growing and changing market. The 67th Berlin International Film Festival willl take place between 9 and 19 February. or more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture
