Markets

The 11th edition of MIA | Mercato Internazionale Audiovisivo officially opened on Monday, October 6,  in the Italian capital, welcoming the global audiovisual industry to a week-long event filled with strategic meetings, showcases, and pitch sessions. Running until October 10, MIA positions itself once again as a crucial prelude to MIPCOM (October 13–16 in Cannes), offering participants a rich opportunity to discover new content, network across borders, and explore trends that are shaping the future of film, TV, and digital platforms.

Held under the direction of Gaia Tridente for the fourth consecutive year, the 2025 edition continues to grow in scope and ambition. This year, MIA hosts professionals from over 60 countries, including Cuba and Mexico—both attending for the first time with official delegations. “We are hosting the Cuban delegation which will do all the meetings with all the key players in Italy,” said Tridente. “We want to raise and elevate our quality year after year, reaching an even larger audience with wider geographical representation.”

With more than 80 events on the agenda, MIA offers a comprehensive platform that reflects the complexity and dynamism of the global audiovisual market. From high-level panels and conferences to curated screenings, executive workshops, and matchmaking sessions, MIA’s multidisciplinary approach brings together industry professionals working across drama, documentary, animation, and feature films.

This year’s Co-Production Market and Pitching Forum received nearly 500 project submissions, with 62 selected for presentation across four core categories. Additionally, 44 titles have been chosen for MIA’s five official showcases, dedicated to animation, documentaries, TV formats, and serial content.

Among the new highlights of MIA 2025:The Book Adaptation Forum, a new initiative aimed at bridging the gap between the publishing world and screen content creation. The Apollo Series, a professional training program co-developed with Series Mania Institute and Göteborg Film Festival’s Drama Vision, designed to support emerging talent. AI-focused workshops curated by Largo.ai, exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming storytelling, production workflows, and content analysis. The Vertical short film showcase and the Industry Insider Bootcamp, offering hands-on training for market newcomers and executives.

In her opening remarks, Tridente emphasized MIA’s evolving mission:“What we try to do this year is keep focusing on content as usual, bringing the best projects from all around the world,” she said.“MIA is not just a curated market: it is a cultural infrastructure where projects grow from their embryonic stage into works for cinema, television, and digital platforms. By fostering exchanges and connections, MIA generates both industrial and cultural value and reinforces Italy’s role as a European and international hub of creativity.” Tridente also highlighted the 2025 edition’s commitment to sustainability and AI integration across the production chain, underlining how the market aims to remain relevant and responsive in a rapidly evolving industry.