The Slovak Film Commission participated in AFCI Cineposium 2025 in Cincinnati

From September 15 to 18, 2025, the international event AFCI Cineposium 2025 took place in Cincinnati, USA. This year’s edition was especially significant as it marked the 50th anniversary of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI). The Slovak Film Commission was also represented at the event.

AFCI Cineposium 2025: Celebrating Experience, Collaboration, and the Future of Film Production

Cineposium is an annual professional forum that brings together representatives of film commissions, production companies, government organizations, and other audiovisual industry professionals.

This year’s program offered an intensive schedule focused on topics such as:

• Economic Development Workshop: Bloomberg Associates Master Class

• Harnessing Economic Growth and Social Awareness through Regional Stories

• Studio Perspective: Future of the Film Industry

• Accessibility in Production: From Ignored to Included

• The Evolution of Festival Content: Purpose, Sustainability, and Niche Innovation

• The Independent Film Perspective: Future of the Film Industry

The AFCI Cineposium 2025 program featured a wide range of speakers from various sectors of the film industry, public sector, and civil society, including:

• Aftab Pureval, Mayor of Cincinnati, who opened the event and emphasized the importance of film production for regional economic growth and cultural identity.

• Katherine Oliver, former film commissioner of New York City and current advisor at Bloomberg Associates, who moderated several panels focused on the economic impact and public policy related to film production.

• David Hinojosa, producer and co-founder of the production company 2AM, known for supporting progressive and independent film projects.

• Eugene Hernandez, director of the Sundance Film Festival, who discussed the evolution of festival content, curatorial approaches, and the growing importance of socially engaged film.

• Mary Ann Hughes, consultant with expertise in state incentives and international production, who offered detailed insights into collaboration between film commissions and studios.

• Lisa Niedenthal, head of physical production at Blumhouse Studios, who provided a studio perspective on the future of the film industry.

• Lisa Pitney, Vice President of Government Relations at The Walt Disney Company.

• Veronica Sullivan, Head of Global Production and Public Affairs at NBCUniversal.

• Christine Vachon, legendary producer and co-founder of Killer Films, a long-time supporter of independent filmmaking.

• Prasanna Ranganathan, expert on diversity, equity, and inclusion, who provided perspectives on increasing accessibility and representation of marginalized communities within the audiovisual sector.

At the event, the Slovak Film Commission presented Slovakia as a country with diverse locations, reliable film professionals, and competitive filming conditions.

Through participation in Cineposium, the commission gained insights into upcoming international initiatives and opportunities. These learnings can be used to update domestic strategies and support infrastructure.

Cineposium as Part of AFCI’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations

The year 2025 marked an important milestone—AFCI’s 50th anniversary. Cineposium was not only a platform for professional discussion but also a place to reflect on the development and significance of film commissions in a global context.

The participation of the Slovak Film Commission at Cineposium 2025 in Cincinnati was an important step in building international cooperation, supporting the Slovak film industry, and raising awareness of Slovakia’s production capabilities abroad.