Leipzig, 7 May, 2014. The Media Foundation of Leipzig Sparkasse, Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk and the European Broadcasting Union are proud to present an international meeting of radio journalists and documentary makers to discuss the future of radio programming in the world of New Media.
For the first time in its 40 year history the International Feature Conference will be hosted in Leipzig. From 11 to 15 May more than 150 documentary makers will be debating the future of radio features in the digital world of New Media.
Many leading speakers from all over the world will be in Leipzig. Among them are Mariannick Bellot from Libération, Rhian Roberts from the BBC discussing The Social Side of Radio and Francesca Panetta from The Guardian. The Guardian launched its "digital first" strategy in 2011 and has just reached 100m unique clicks each month worldwide. Ben Fawkes, from "Soundcloud", the world’s biggest sound sharing platform, will be sharing an insight into the development of technology and how radio producers can use this. The renowned photographer Edmond Terakopian will confront with photos and film to stimulate discussion about imagination and reality. Jens Jarisch from RBB will present the multimedia project "People of M10".
The conference has sections dedicated to radio projects from Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the UK, Bulgaria, Poland, Ireland, America, Australia and Sweden. These will be presented and discussed in front of an international audience. The goal of the conference is not competitive, but rather to share opinions and experiences about documentary production. In this way, and over 40 years, authors, editors and directors have explored and discussed trends which have influenced the development of programming throughout the world.
Among the participants are three young radio documentery makers, from Norway, Sweden and the USA. They will be awarded the Ake Blomström Award on Sunday, 11 May. The award features a rich coaching program and opportunities for networking, starting with the IFC.
As well as presentations, debates and discussions, the schedule features many different workshops. Simon Elmes from the BBC considers the question, "what makes a story worthwhile to tell?" Jens Jarisch from RBB will explain the importance of soundscapes in creating high quality documentaries. Liam O’Brien, Feature Editor from RTÉ will focus on strategies for dramatic storytelling, and Edwin Brys from Belgium will encourage the audience to trust in the magic of radio.
On Wednesday, 14 May an awards ceremony for the "Axel-Eggebrecht Prize", of 10,000 Euros in commemoration of the radio pioneer Axel Eggebrecht will take place. This year the award will be awarded to Paul Kohl in recognition of his life’s work in documentary production. This will begin at 6.30 p.m., and will be presented on MDR Figaro on 22 May at 10.00 p.m..
For further information, please contact:
Martin Fiedler
00493415629661
info@leipziger-medienstiftung.de,
or browse the IFC website.