Saturday, August 30th
Hotel Excelsior, Venice, Italy – Spazio Incontri
1:00 PM – Cocktail Reception & Networking
11:30 AM – Industry Conference

The ICFF is proud to return to the 82nd Venice International Film Festival with its flagship industry conference dedicated to fostering creative and commercial partnerships between Italy and Canada.

Opening remarks will be delivered by:

• Pascal Diot — Head of Venice Production Bridge

• Roberto Stabile — Cinecittà, Responsabile Internazionalizzazione Festival e Mercati

• Jeremy Adler — Deputy Ambassador of Canada to Italy

These introductions will set the stage for a program that brings together top producers, innovators, and creatives from both countries, exploring Toronto’s global role in production, the strength of post-production and VFX, and the opportunities for distribution and collaboration across borders.

PART I — Creating in Toronto: From Location to Innovation

Overview
Toronto is more than just a filming location — it is a full-service hub for international productions, with world-class studios, highly skilled talent, and an ecosystem that extends from incentives and financing to post-production and VFX. This first session will explore how the city serves both as a versatile stand-in for global locations and as a cinematic character in its own right.

Discussion Themes

• Why Toronto is a top choice for international productions

• Incentives and tax credits: how government support drives success

• The strength of Toronto’s post-production and VFX industry

• Toronto as both “a city that disappears” and a creative character

• Behind the scenes: Frankenstein (2025) and other major productions

Speakers:

• Miles Dale – Academy Award Winner. Discussing his experience producing major films in Toronto and how the city continues to evolve as a filmmaking centre
• Dennis Berardi – On the growing demand for VFX, Toronto’s post-production talent, and building a creative ecosystem with global reach
• Alfredo Romano – From an Italian-Canadian producer’s perspective: building bridges across industries, funding strategies, and lessons from past co-productions
• Jeff F. King,  Director | HOURGLASS S2

PART II — Awards & Co-Productions: Building International Pathways

Overview:
The second part of the program will spotlight producers and creatives who are driving cross-border collaboration between Italy and Canada. Through special award recognitions and industry insights, this session will highlight how co-productions and distribution networks can expand opportunities for both industries.

Discussion Themes

• Lessons from successful co-productions

• Funding and partnership strategies across borders

• The evolving role of producers in connecting European and North American markets

• How distribution in Canada can act as a launchpad for international titles

Awards & Presentations

• Isabella Cocuzza & Arturo Paglia — Recognized for their longstanding contribution to Italian cinema

• Attilio De Razza — Awarded for excellence in producing acclaimed international films (Famiglia)

• Viktoria Blank & Emanuele Del Fio — Presentation of AiRTFICIAL Visions and award recognition

• Gianna Isabella Magliocco — Canadian director presenting Il Doge