The Problem of Distribution for Short Film Agencies

Chair: Toril Simonsen, Head of international relations, short and documentary films Norwegian film institute.

There is an increasing number of "distributors" of short films, some on the net, mobile phones and some in more traditional venues like theatres. Many festivals take the films on tour after the festival, some only in the country where the festival is held, others bring the films to other countries in "Best of" programmes.

Now there is a natural tension, which is slowly coming to a breaking point. On one hand producers/directors who feel disempowered by the lack of distribution opportunities who will allow their work be shown for free. On the other hand the platform for delivery of this work has no quality control and and may ultimately trivialize the filmmakers work.