Story Vision Europe: New European Industry Forum Discusses the Future of Audiovisual Content
On June 8, 2026, the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW, together with the Produktionsallianz and the Film- und Medienverband NRW, will host the first Story Vision Europe in Cologne. This new European industry forum brings together leading figures from film, television series, streaming, politics, funding, and the media industry to discuss key issues regarding the future of European audiovisual content.
The event will take place on June 8, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Wolkenburg.
The focus will be on the international visibility and competitiveness of European productions, as well as new models for development, financing, distribution, and cooperation. Story Vision Europe serves as a platform for strategic exchange and European networking across the entire audiovisual value chain.
Among other things, the following questions will be discussed:
- How will relevant European stories be created in the future?
- Which models of development, financing, and distribution will be sustainable?
- How are platforms and new consumption habits changing the production and distribution of audiovisual content?
- What role do European media play in promoting diversity, public discourse, and democratic cohesion?
Participants include, among others:
- Ingmar Cario, Interim Program Director, WDR
- Francesco Capurro, Forum Director, Series Mania
- Sidonie Dumas, CEO, Gaumont
- Johanna Koljonen, Media Analyst & Author of the Nostradamus Report
- Sven Lehmann, Chair of the Committee on Culture and Media, German Bundestag
- Inga Leschek, Chief Content Officer, RTL Germany
- Nathanael Liminski, Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs, and Media of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
- Tanja Meissner, Director of Berlinale Pro, Berlinale
- Katrine Vogelsang, CEO, Nordisk Film Production
Those interested can register now free of charge and with a binding commitment: Register for Story Vision Europe
Program Overview:
10:30 Doors Open
Host: Torsten Zarges, Chief Reporter at DWDL.de / Managing Partner at Zarges ctc
11:00 Welcome
Michelle Müntefering, CEO, Produktionsallianz
Walid Nakschbandi, CEO, Film and Media Foundation NRW
11:15 Welcome
Torsten Burmester, Mayor of Cologne
11:20 Presentation
Here We Go: The Path to Digital Sovereignty
Sven Lehmann, Chair of the Culture & Media Committee, German Bundestag
11:30 Q&A
Shaping Society: Why Europe Matters More Than Ever
Axel Voss, Member of the European Parliament / Rapporteur on Artificial Intelligence
11:45 Presentation
Shift in Demand: How to Meet the Needs of Audiences and Commissioners
Olivia Deane, Senior Research Manager, Ampere Analysis
12:15 Panel
Stronger Together: Building a New European Content Architecture
Ingmar Cario, Interim Program Director, WDR
Inga Leschek, Chief Content Officer, RTL Deutschland
Katrine Vogelsang, CEO, Nordisk Film Production
Alix Lebrat, COO Worldwide Television, Studiocanal
Georgette Schlick, CEO Northern Europe, Fremantle
1:00 p.m. Networking Lunch
2:00 p.m. Q&A
Challenging Projections: What's Next for Europe's Film Industry? Johanna Koljonen, Media Analyst & Author of the Nostradamus Report
2:20 p.m.Q&A
Shaping Fandom: How FilmTok and BookTok Create New Markets
Louisa Schirner, Creative Producer & TikTok Creator, @producedbylou
2:40 p.m.Presentation
From Community to Box Office: Driving Impact on TikTok
Sonia Gleeson, Industry Lead for Entertainment, Media & Sports, TikTok UK
3:00 PMQ&A
A Platform to Shine: How Festivals and Markets Can Jumpstart European Content
Francesco Capurro, Series Mania Forum Director, Series Mania
Tanja Meissner, Director of Berlinale Pro, Berlin International Film Festival
in conversation with Johanna Karppinen
3:30 p.m. Coffee Break
4:00 p.m.Q&A
Defending Democracy: Opportunities and Responsibilities for European Media
Nathanael Liminski, Minister for Federal, European, and International Affairs and Media of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
4:30 p.m.Q&A
From Lupin to Unfamiliar: The Power of European Storytelling
Sidonie Dumas, CEO, Gaumont
5:00 p.m.Q&A
The French Support System: Financing European Film Tomorrow
Jérémie Kessler, Director of European and International Affairs, CNC
in conversation with Johanna Karppinen
5:30 p.m.Closing Remarks
Walid Nakschbandi, CEO, Film and Media Foundation NRW
Torsten Zarges, Chief Reporter at DWDL.de / Managing Partner at Zarges ctc