Markets

The 12th edition of MIA | Mercato Internazionale Audiovisivo was officially presented at the Italian Pavilion in Cannes on May 17, ahead of this year’s edition, which will take place in Rome from October 19-23, 2026. Promoted by ANICA and APA, and directed by Gaia Tridente, the market announced a major strategic evolution aimed at strengthening its international positioning and expanding its role as a comprehensive industry platform.

During the presentation, ANICA president Alessandro Usai described MIA 2026 as a further step in reinforcing the event’s identity as a global platform serving the entire audiovisual value chain, from development and financing to production, distribution and international circulation. APA president Chiara Sbarigia emphasized the strategic economic value of the Italian audiovisual sector, underlining the need for MIA to evolve in line with a rapidly changing international market.

One of the key changes for 2026 is the transformation of MIA from a market organized around vertical content areas into a more integrated industry platform designed to create value and foster new business opportunities. The organizers also announced an expansion of activities across multiple locations in central Rome, further strengthening the connection between the city and the international audiovisual community.

Among the major innovations unveiled is the redesigned Co-Production Market & Pitching Forum, which will provide more structured opportunities for producers to meet financiers, buyers, distributors and international co-producers. The new structure will include dedicated sections for feature films, documentaries, docuseries, scripted series and animation projects.
MIA 2026 will also launch the new Animation Series Gap Financing Market, a program specifically dedicated to animated series projects that already have broadcaster backing and partial financing in place. The initiative aims to connect producers with international co-financiers and co-commissioners in order to complete financing structures and accelerate production.

The market will continue to host its established showcases, including C EU SOON, GREENlit, ITALIAN SERIES ANIMATION SHOWCASE and ITALIANS DOC IT BETTER, offering international visibility to films, scripted series, documentaries and animation projects.
Another major addition is the European Investment Hub, a new two-day initiative focused on financial tools for the audiovisual sector. The program will explore co-production funds, equity investments, guarantee schemes, completion bonds and public-private investment models, offering industry professionals direct access to investors and institutions.
The 2026 edition will also introduce “CASA MIA,” a large networking lounge conceived as a hospitality and meeting space for all accredited participants, designed to encourage informal networking and strengthen the sense of community among international attendees.

Institutional support for MIA continues to grow, with backing from the Italian Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ICE Agency, Regione Lazio, Roma Lazio Film Commission and Creative Europe MEDIA. The event will also take place simultaneously with Rome Film Fest and Alice nella Città, reinforcing Rome’s ambition to position itself as a major international hub for the audiovisual industry.