On 26 September, during the forthcoming San Sebastian International Film Festival, European Film Promotion (EFP) will partner with the festival to launch the 'European Distributors: Up Next!' initiative.

The initiative aims to increase the wider distribution of non-domestic European films. The first edition of the event will focus on distributors from Central and Eastern European countries. Ten innovative distributors in the focus regions have been invited to the festival to discuss further possibilities for the distribution of European titles in their territories.

Distributors selected for 'European Distributors: Up Next!' 2008:

Stefan Kitanov, Art Fest, Bulgaria
Premysl Martinek, Film Distribution Artcam, Czech Republic
Katrin Rajasaare, AS Tallinnfilm, Estonia
Rita Linda Potyondi, Cirko Film, Hungary
Oskars Killo, Acme Film, Latvia
Greta Akcihonaite, Cinema Center Skalvija, Lithuania
Jakub Duszynski, Gutek Film, Poland
Stefan Bradea, Transilvania Film, Romania
Michael Drobny, Continental Film, Slovak Republic
Natasa Bucar, Cankarjev Dom, Slovenia

Variety, as media partners for the event, will highlight the work of the invited distributors in promoting independent cinema. The event will also link in with activities by Europa Distribution.