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The Audio-Visual Producers Summit 2025 officially opened on Monday, July 21, turning Merano into the epicenter of dialogue and innovation for the international audiovisual industry. Organized by APA – the Italian Audiovisual Producers Association – the summit gathers over 40 influential speakers from Europe and the United States for three days of discussions on the sector’s future, with a focus on technology, policy, and cross-border collaborations.

Hosted at the iconic Kurhaus venue, the summit’s agenda spans critical topics such as the economic impact of the audiovisual sector in Italy, strategies to attract global investments, and a comparative study of tax credit schemes in Italy, Germany, and the UK.

Technological innovation is at the core of this year’s edition, particularly the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and visual effects (VFX) in production. Three multidisciplinary panels will explore these innovations, featuring producers, academics, and representatives of major international tech companies.

Additionally, a dedicated session will examine the ongoing transformation of Hollywood, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities in a fast-evolving global market.

Chiara Sbarigia, President of APA, remarked:"In an industry that is constantly shifting due to technological innovation, it is essential to carve out a space for strategic reflection on evolving audience behaviors, the implications of AI, and the formation of international alliances. The Summit is designed to provide exactly that. We are also proud to present the beauty and resources of our territories to our global partners, and I thank all our supporters."

Renate Ranzi, Head of IDM Film Commission Südtirol, added:"For the Autonomous Province of Bolzano and IDM Film Commission Südtirol, hosting the AVP-Summit 2025 is a valuable opportunity to enhance international co-productions and promote our region as a unique filming destination and a cultural bridge between Italy and the German-speaking world."

The AVPSummit is promoted by the Italian Ministry of Culture (MiC) with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI), ICE Agency, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, and IDM Film Commission Südtirol. The event also partners with the Producers Guild of America (PGA), the Motion Picture Association (MPA), and PFX, alongside sponsors such as Forst, the Merano Tourist Board, Caroma, and Cantina Merano.