Tallinn, Estonia — The Baltic region’s most influential film and TV industry gathering, Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event (ITBE), returns in 2025 with a sharper focus on innovation, collaboration, and the creative possibilities of artificial intelligence.
At the center of this evolution is Marge Liiske, Head of Industry, who has guided Tallinn’s content market into a hub that connects Nordic and Baltic talent with international producers, streamers, and financiers.
“We’re no longer talking about a regional showcase,” Liiske notes. “We’re building a global conversation from a Baltic point of view — about creativity, co-production, and the technology shaping storytelling itself.”
A Growing Platform for Screen Storytelling
Now in its 23rd year, ITBE continues to expand its footprint. The TV Beats Forum, which began as a small side event, has matured into one of the most dynamic parts of the program. This year’s lineup includes over 30 drama-series projects in development — from debut writers to established showrunners — highlighting how the Baltic region is adapting to the international streaming landscape.
Meanwhile, the Co-Production Market and Works-in-Progress sessions remain the festival’s beating heart, offering producers and investors a first look at upcoming films from across Central and Eastern Europe.
“Collaboration is our strength,” says Liiske. “We want to help regional stories travel and help global producers discover new creative partners here.”
Embracing the AI Revolution — Responsibly
Artificial Intelligence has become one of the festival’s most talked-about themes. Rather than approaching it with fear or hype, ITBE aims to encourage balanced, practical discussions.
Panels this year will explore how AI is influencing script development, editing, visual effects, and production design, as well as the ethical and creative challenges that come with it.
“AI is already here — the question is how we use it,” Liiske explains. “Filmmaking will always depend on human imagination, but technology can amplify that if used thoughtfully.”
Workshops will also examine how virtual production and generative tools are changing workflows and budgets for independent filmmakers — an urgent topic for smaller markets like Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
The Baltic Identity, Re-imagined
For Liiske, the mission of Industry@Tallinn extends beyond promoting local talent; it’s about defining what Baltic storytelling means in the modern era.
“Our stories are specific, but their emotions are universal,” she says. “That’s what makes our content attractive to global audiences — authenticity with an international heartbeat.”
The 2025 edition aims to strengthen ties between Baltic creators and international distributors, ensuring that the region’s distinct voice is heard far beyond its borders.
Networking with Impact
More than just panels and screenings, ITBE thrives on its sense of community. Filmmakers, producers, and buyers gather in Tallinn not only to learn but to connect — over coffee, in pitching sessions, and through spontaneous collaborations that often lead to long-term partnerships.
Liiske calls this “democratic networking” — where newcomers and veterans share the same space, breaking the traditional barriers of film markets.
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