Proposed by the Hubert Bals Fund, the panel will address the growing urgency of supporting filmmakers working in fragile and politically restrictive environments.
At a time when freedom of artistic expression is increasingly under pressure, the discussion focuses on how European public funds and other international support mechanisms can respond to current realities with responsibility, flexibility and impact. Highlighting some of their most active support mechanisms, representatives from the French CNC, the Hubert Bals Fund and ICFR will outline their strategic approaches, while filmmakers will share first-hand perspectives on creating and sustaining work under political constraint.
The panel highlights the vital role of international solidarity in safeguarding creative freedom and ensuring that diverse voices continue to be heard.
Panelists
Aboozar Amini, filmmaker, Afghanistan/Netherlands
Maryna Er Gorbach, filmmaker (Rotation, IFFR 2026 – Displacement Film Fund, pictured), Ukraine
Olivier Henrard, General Director of CNC, France
Sara Ishaq, filmmaker and general manager of the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk, Yemen/Netherlands
Tamara Tatishvili, Head of Hubert Bals Fund, Georgia/Belgium
Moderated by Sandra den Hamer, Director of the Netherlands Film Fund, introduced by Vanja Kaludjercic, Festival Director IFFR.
