10 Years with B2B Doc: Lessons Learned and Challenges for the Future

Dokudays UA, Kyiv
14.30, 4 June 2024

The Baltic to Black Sea Documentary Network owes much of its success to timing. In 2014 there were many talented documentary filmmakers at work in the Eastern Partnership Countries, but they had little experience of the EU documentary market, which was now becoming more accessible.

By collaborating with already existing festivals, B2B Doc presented an opportunity both for filmmakers and festivals to take opportunity of the new situation. Being a peer-to-peer network without any commercial interest, B2B Doc acted as a conduit, a bridge between the filmmakers and primarily the West European market. There was also a small fund accessible to pay for travel and accommodation for those filmmakers who were invited to pitch at international festivals. The aim was to form co-production partnerships that would make it possible for the films to reach an international audience.

At least 30 films within the network have premiered and gained international acclaim during the ten-year period. Many others have at least reached the festival market and many more are still in production. But times have also changed. The market has developed and filmmakers are organising to promote their rights nationally and internationally. B2B Doc is ready for a refresher, a new direction or a new niche in order to stay relevant. 

Please come and celebrate ten successful years with us - and discuss what we should do in the next decade!