Breaking the Buzz: How Trade Magazines Shape Film Visibility

In today’s festival and market landscape, where countless titles compete for attention, international trade magazines remain crucial in determining which films, series, and talents break through the noise. But what does it really take to capture their attention? And how should filmmakers, publicists, and industry professionals approach them without missteps?
Breaking the Buzz: How Trade Magazines Shape Film Visibility offers a candid conversation with editors and writers from some of the sector’s most influential outlets, including Variety, Screen International, Cineuropa, The Hollywood Reporter, and The Film Verdict. The session will shed light on the realities of trade journalism — its editorial priorities, the criteria used when choosing stories, and the challenges journalists face in a fast-paced, globalised media ecosystem.
Topics will range from practical guidance — when and how to pitch, the difference between reviews, news, and features, and the role of publicists and sales agents — to bigger-picture questions such as how smaller film industries can reach international press, the impact of exclusives, and how trades are adapting to emerging formats like newsletters, podcasts, and TikTok. The panel will also explore how these publications coexist and compete, while trying to maintain editorial independence and distinct identities.
For filmmakers and industry delegates, the discussion offers rare insight into the mechanics of building “buzz” and avoiding common pitfalls when seeking coverage. For the trades themselves, it provides a space for dialogue and self-reflection on their role in shaping narratives across the global film landscape.
Moderated by Cineuropa’s Davide Abbatescianni, the panel will bring together top industry journalists and critics, including representatives from leading publications and experienced international publicists, to bridge the gap between creators and the press. Whether you are a filmmaker hoping to secure your first review, a publicist navigating festival premieres, or a festival programmer curious about how trades build stories, this session will provide concrete tools and valuable context.