Roundtable
Global VS local storytelling

august 26 / 13:30 – 15:00
Tarkovsky Hall

In an era of globalization, the film industry faces a crucial question: how do we create stories that capture audiences around the world without losing the uniqueness of our cultural voice?

Global storytelling aims to create narratives that resonate with people worldwide by focusing on universal themes and emotions understood by all: love, loss, hope, fear, and the struggle for justice. In contrast, local storytelling highlights the particularities of a specific culture, geography, or time, exploring traditions through unique cultural elements.
We will discuss how these approaches interact in contemporary cinema.
The world is smaller, and movies can now travel the planet at the speed of a click.
"Storytelling: Global Coexists with Local" is an exciting discussion about the challenges and opportunities of contemporary filmmaking.

  • What are the differences between making films for a local audience and creating global films that seek to attract audiences worldwide?
  • How do you avoid stereotypes and clichés when creating stories for international audiences? How can a country's culture be presented in an honest and interesting way, without oversimplifying it or relying on formulaic images?
  • How can today's filmmakers capitalize on the opportunities of the global marketplace while maintaining their cultural identity? How do you find your own voice in this complex world of cinema?

Модератор:
  • Ms Sofya Mitrofanova
    CEO, MTS Media

Global:
  • Fatih Aksoy
    CEO, Medyapim (Turkey)
    Fatih Aksoy, born in Şanlıurfa, Turkey, started his media career in 1988 and founded Medyapım in 1993. He gained recognition for producing hit shows during the early years of private television in Turkey, including the Turkish adaptation of “The Nanny” (Dadı) in 2000. Aksoy also successfully adapted international shows like “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” and “Popstar,” which broke Turkish television rating records.
    Since 2010, he has focused on drama series, producing Turkish versions of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Desperate Housewives,” as well as original series like “Forbidden Fruit.” Aksoy co-founded MF Yapım, No 9 Productions, and MADD Entertainment, all part of the Medyapım Group, which he leads.
  • David Marconi
    Screenwriter (USA)
    David Marconi is a Hollywood screenwriter, director, and author known for crafting tense action thrillers often infused with political and technological themes. He shot to fame with the Will Smith blockbuster "Enemy of the State," establishing himself as a go-to writer for high-stakes action. His diverse filmography includes writing credits on films like "Live Free or Die Hard" and "The Foreigner," showcasing his range within the genre. Marconi also directed the gritty thriller "Intersection" and co-authored the "Agent 13" book series. His work often tackles contemporary anxieties surrounding surveillance, power dynamics, and the unintended consequences of technology.
  • Santiago Limon
    Screenwriter (Mexico)
    Santiago is a Mexican screenwriter and director with a master's degree in Directing from the American Film Institute. In 2017, he directed his debut film Until the Wedding Do Us Part, a remake of the successful Russian film Gorko produced by Timur Bekmambetov. It was one of the highest-grossing films of that year. His second film was the successful comedy Cindy la Regia, which he co-directed, and it was the number one film at the box office in Mexico in 2020. He was the showrunner and director of the miniseries La Búsqueda for Netflix and the musical reboot of Rebelde for the same platform. In 2021, he directed the musical comedy La Usurpadora for Vix. Also for Vix, he created and produced the horror comedy Pinches Momias, which premiered in 2023. His latest production was the successful Netflix series Ojitos de Huevo, which he co-created and produced with Perro Azul. He is currently working on the second season, which will premiere at the end of 2024.

  • Peter Jokfu Nkewir
    Cameroon Film Industry (Cameroon)
    Jokfu Nkewir Peter, known as Montana Peters, is a prominent figure in the Cameroonian film industry. Born in 1990, he founded Sumit Productions in 2014 and has since produced and directed numerous award-winning films, including "A PLUSES," "Choices We Make," and "Dead Man's Wish." Beyond filmmaking, Peters is a dedicated philanthropist, supporting orphans, underprivileged children, and victims of the Anglophone crisis. His commitment to social good and artistic excellence has cemented his place as a leading figure in African cinema.
  • aLang
    Film critic (China)
  • Andrey Zolotarev
    Screenwriter, producer, director (Russia)
    Andrey Zolotarev is a well-known Russian screenwriter, producer, director, and actor. He graduated from VGIK and began his career at NTV. Zolotarev is the author of scripts for popular films and TV series, including "My Fair Nanny," "Attraction," "Ice," "Trigger," and "Sputnik." Since 2023, he has been collaborating with National Media Group (NMG) as a creative producer and co-owner of Iney Productions.