Speakers & Juries

Angeliki Vergou

Angeliki Vergou is a film industry professional with over 25 years of experience at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, where she served as Head of Agora from 2022. In her current role as Agora Advisor | International Partnerships & Development, she focuses on strategic international partnerships, co-production initiatives, and the development of the Agora's European network. Under her leadership, the Agora grew into a comprehensive industry hub for Southeast Europe and the Mediterranean, encompassing the Crossroads Co-production Forum, Thessaloniki Pitching Forum, Works in Progress, Film & Doc Market, XR Lab, Agora Series Talents, and numerous training and networking programmes. She is also Director of the Hellenic Film Academy, a MIDPOINT alumni in script consulting, and offers development consultations for films and documentaries.

Danijel Hočevar

Film producer and CEO of Vertigo, a Ljubljana-based production company with distinctive track record and extensive international co-production experience. Recent productions: Skateboarding Is Not for Girls by Dina Duma (2026, Tribeca FF – International Narrative Competition), Shame and Money by Visar Morina (2026, Sundance FF – Grand Jury Prize, World Cinema Dramatic Competition), Pero by Damjan Kozole (doc, 2023, IFF Rotterdam), Hidden People by Miha Hočevar (2025, Second Award, Bergamo Film Meeting), The Happiest Man in the World by Teona Mitevska (2022, Venice FF – Orizzonti, Grand Jury Prize at Les Arcs EFF), Small Body by Laura Samani (2021, Cannes Critics' Week, European Discovery – Prix FIPRESCI), Reconciliation by Marija Zidar (doc, 2021, CPH:DOX, IDFA), Otac –​ Father by Srdan Golubović (2020, Berlinale Panorama Audience Award), An Episode in the Life of an Iron Picker by Danis Tanović (2013, Berlinale Silver Bear: Grand Jury Prize), and Bread and Milk by Jan Cvitković (2001, Venice FF Lion of the Future), Half-Sister (2019), Nightlife (2016, Best Director Award at Karlovy Vary IFF), Slovenian Girl (2009, Toronto IFF), and Spare Parts (2003, Berlinale Competition) all by Damjan Kozole.

In 2001, Hočevar was named one of Variety's Ten Producers to Watch. He serves on the Board of the European Film Academy and is a former President of the Association of Slovenian Film Producers. Since 2005, he has served as a tutor and mentor for several leading European training initiatives, including MIDPOINT, EAVE, the Nipkow Programme and Maia Workshops. He is also a member of the selection committee for the When East Meets West co-production market in Trieste.