As part of the Industry Days at FILMFEST MÜNCHEN, the Erich Pommer Institut (EPI) held the panel "Beyond Talent – The Power of Networks in the Audiovisual Industry" together with WIFT Germany on 1 July 2026. The discussion centred on the role networks actually play in the audiovisual industry: Where do opportunities arise? How do structures shape career paths? And what, beyond talent, is needed to take on responsibility in the long term?
Audience interest was considerable: the room was filled to the last seat. The subsequent fishbowl discussion illustrated just how many different perspectives this topic brings to the fore, and how necessary such an open exchange is.
The panel featured Prof. Dr. Lisa Giehl, Maya Reichert, Rabeah Rahimi and Sarah Schnier, who combined personal experience with structural analysis, addressing questions of visibility, access, resilience, ambition and the often invisible mechanisms of professional development. This combination of concrete accounts and a broader structural perspective enriched the discussion. The panel was moderated by Mara Luka.
Photo Credits: Filmfest München 2026
EPI would like to thank WIFT Germany for their collaboration in developing the panel concept, as well as FILMFEST MÜNCHEN, which provided the platform for this exchange as part of the Industry Days. Particular thanks go to all attendees who contributed their questions and perspectives to the discussion. The topics and conversations raised will feed into EPI's ongoing work.
Photo credit: EPI