Thinking about the release of a film should start way before the film is completed. From finding the right partners and allies, to designing the matching visuals, to preparing how you will talk about your film. Not only is there an audience with expectations and reactions, but industry players also need and want something from your story. There might also be considerations to take into account concerning characters or politics. A strategy that stays true to the film and its filmmakers is therefore essential.

When do you involve distribution partners? What do you actually ‘release’, and how do you work with sensitivities? Director Nada Riyadh, director/producer Ayman El Amir and sales agent Estelle de Araujo (The Party Film Sales) dive into the various stages and moments involved in releasing The Brink of Dreams (Egypt, France, Denmark, Qatar, Saudi Arabia), a film which celebrated its world première at Cannes Film Festival  2023, winning the best documentary award, the L’Oeuil d’Or.