Italy’s MIA unveils new animation focus with dedicated co-production forum

Gaia Tridente

Italy’s fast-growing Mercato Internazionale Audiovisivo (MIA Market) is introducing a new section entirely devoted to animation for its 2022 edition later this year.

The eighth edition of the annual event, which is to be held in Rome from 11-15 October, will see organisers expanding MIA’s Co-Production Market and Pitching Forum to create a new animation-focused event, which will be added to the existing drama series, documentaries and films strands.

Producers looking for financial partners and co-production deals will be given the opportunity to showcase their projects to buyers, ranging from global studios and streamers, to broadcasters and agents.

The Forum is open to submissions of all genres and formats intended for theatrical distribution, TV broadcasting and streaming, with projects from all countries welcomed. All shortlisted producers will be invited to present their projects next October, participating in a five-days of meetings and business networking at MIA’s headquarters in Rome.

Gaia Tridente, who was named MIA’s director earlier this year, said the animated coproduction program would “not only strengthen the figure of animation professionals but also foster B2B exchanges, networking activities and most of all nurture and promote talents in the European industry to facilitate the development of international co-productions.”

MIA focuses on European and International film, drama, animation, doc and factual industries, offering forums, showcases, networking and panel sessions. Organisers revealed in April that its 2022 edition will take place before MIPCOM, unlike previous years when it ran after the Cannes event.