Published: May 02, 2023| 10:00 AM

Since 2015, the program Future Frames – Generation NEXT of European Cinema, organized by the European Film Promotion and Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, has helped emerging talented European directors launch their careers in the film industry. The program is now expanding the pool of opportunities provided to the filmmakers through its partnership with Allwyn, a leading global lottery operator, and a collaboration with US-based talent agency UTA and management company Range Media Partners.

“Through this partnership, Allwyn is continuing to grow its community of winners around the globe. We’re passionate about changing lives for the better and this extends beyond those who buy a lottery ticket. It means supporting those who strive to achieve greatness in society, including in the arts. Initiatives like Future Frames ensure that opportunity is spread across generations, and, as we build the lotteries of the future, we are equally committed to ensure future generations also benefit from the good we provide to society,” commented Pavel Turek, Allwyn’s Chief Officer of Global Brand, Corporate Communication, and CSR.

The Future Frames program highlights the promising emerging talent behind new European cinema. Each year, 10 outstanding film students and graduates, recommended by the European Film Promotion member organizations are selected by the program department of Karlovy Vary IFF to showcase their short and medium-length films to the festival audience. The selected filmmakers also participate in a tailored mentorship program that includes training, networking and promotion elements. In the past years, mentors such as Felix van Groeningen, Denis Côte, Tim Sutton or Jasmila Žbanić have shared their expertise with the program attendees. Alumni of the program include Michal Blaško (feature film Victim, world premiere at 2022 Venice Film Festival), Hleb Papou (feature film The Legionnaire, the Best Emerging Director award at 2021 Locarno Film Festival) or Tadeusz Lysiak (short film The Dress, nominated for 2020 Academy Award).

“Thanks to our new partner, Allwyn, and our close collaboration with talent agency UTA and management company Range Media Partners, we can provide promising European directors with a vital opportunity to kick-start their careers and further their creative development, as well as the chance to gain experience from renowned figures in the world of film. The Karlovy Vary Film Festival continues its long-term strategy of discovering and supporting the filmmakers of the future," says Kryštof Mucha, Executive Director of the Karlovy Vary IFF.

This year's edition of Future Frames will take place from July 2nd to July 5th at Karlovy Vary IFF. Allwyn Future Frames Lounge, a brand new creative and networking area located in the Thermal Hotel festival center, will host training and networking sessions for the participants and will also serve as a space for one-on-one meetings with UTA and Range Media Partners representatives. They will provide feedback and guidance and ultimately choose one director, who will receive a special scholarship, sponsored by Allwyn – enabling them to spend a month in Los Angeles, learning from the best in the film industry.

“We are excited to be partnering with this iconic film festival known for its commitment to independent world cinema. We have admired the filmmakers and talent showcased at the festival throughout the years and are proud to partner its Future Frames Program,” says Jim Meenaghan & Rena Ronson, Co-Heads of UTA Independent Film Group.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the word class Karlovy Vary Film Festival and to be joining their Future Frames Program. We have had colleagues and clients attend the festival in the past and their commitment to independent cinema is second to none,” says Range Media Partners representative.