© Locarno Film Festival / Ti-Press
StepIn is an interdisciplinary and international think tank where distributors, exhibitors, producers, sales agents, film institutions, financiers, streaming platforms, broadcasters, and representatives of film festivals and markets take part in closed working sessions to discuss the state of the film industry. Marcello Paolillo served as Project Manager, while AC Coppens of THE CATALYSTS moderated the event.
In August 2025, during Locarno Pro, 50 international film industry leaders gathered for the 14th edition of StepIn to examine the challenges and opportunities facing independent cinema. Across the areas of financing, distribution, visibility, and inclusion, participants explored the economic viability and cultural relevance of cinema in an increasingly risky yet risk-averse environment.
Four topics were at the center of this year’s StepIn program:
The StepIn Report reflects the in-depth discussions on these topics among leading voices from the independent film industry, including Maysoon Zayid (comedian, actress, writer, activist), Stuart Ford (Chairman & CEO, AGC Studios), Ed Guiney (Producer, Element Pictures), and Tricia Tuttle (Festival Director, Berlinale).
The report’s findings show that cinema’s future depends on its ability to reframe risk across the ecosystem – not as a liability, but as the driving force behind originality, impact, and audience growth. Overall, the participants agreed that the independent film industry cannot afford the risk of not taking risks. Risk lies at the core of cinema and should be embraced in the best possible way.
The detailed results can be found in the full report, which is now available for download here.
StepIn 2025 was organized with the support of Eurimages and Arts3, in partnership with THE CATALYSTS and in collaboration with Europa Cinemas, Europa Distribution and Europa International.
Locarno Pro is possible thanks to the support of the Federal Office of Culture / Media Desk Suisse.
