BAM 2024 elevates Colombian film talent and Latin American cinema

Bogotá Audiovisual Market (BAM) will celebrate its fifteenth edition with a grand and ambitious agenda, drawing a slate of national and international guests. This milestone event, organized by ProImágenes Colombia and the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, is set to take place from July 8 to 12, 2024, and promises to elevate conversations within the audiovisual industry to cinematic heights.

This year’s BAM aims to enrich the discourse around various industry areas, including co-production processes, international collaborations, business models, strategic partnerships, technological advancements, and professional skills. A significant addition to this year’s event is the “Think Tank,” a new component dedicated to addressing film creation and distribution in Latin America.

Over the past 15 years, BAM has established itself as a crucial platform for identifying, strengthening, and showcasing Colombian audiovisual talent. By centralizing the offer of national audiovisual content, BAM aims to attract high-quality demand, fostering a sustainable and competitive industry internationally. The market has successfully facilitated the circulation of diverse themes and formats, creating alliances for financing projects and enhancing the visibility of local creators.

The commitment of Canada, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Brazil, Italy, France, and Uruguay in supporting BAM underscores the international dedication to fostering the audiovisual industry. Their support not only strengthens cultural ties but also boosts new business opportunities and creative endeavors within the sector.

Colombian animation companies such as Insert Coin, Team Toon, Bombillo Amarillo, Mamoncillo, Dinamita, and La Mar Media Lab are set to participate in BAM 2024. These companies aim to showcase their work in both service export and intellectual property creation. Their presence at BAM is more than just an effort to connect with new clients; it’s a strategic move to highlight Colombia’s burgeoning talent and attract and retain local talent.

This year’s BAM will feature a wide array of projects selected through a national call. These include 29 projects in development (15 feature films, 7 series, and 7 animations), 11 stories ready to be transformed into projects, 6 short films in their editing stage, 4 feature films in post-production, and 23 new national and international talents for the Bammers program. These selections represent the new generation of creative producers poised to make their mark on the industry.

The 2023 edition of BAM was a resounding success, with 1,642 industry professionals participating, including 105 international guests and buyers from 18 countries, and participants from 27 departments of Colombia. The event featured over 120 training, industry, and networking activities, resulting in 520 business meetings for selected projects.

To commemorate its fifteenth anniversary, BAM 2024 will place special emphasis on Latin American cinema, aiming to highlight its regional character and strengthen the connections that bind Latin American cinematographies. The “Coproducing with Latin America” meeting will bring together twelve voices from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay to explore regional co-production policies.

The Colombian feature MALTA by Colombian director Natalia Santa will make its national debut at BAM15 at Cine Colombia C.C Avenida Chile.

The “Latin American Cinema Thinks” think tank will offer debates and reflections on contemporary film education, production, and distribution, with presentations from five renowned professionals in production, exhibition, training, journalism, and film programming.

BAM 2024 will also expand its reach to various regions of Colombia, with support from the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (MinTIC). The initiative aims to bring the BAM experience to Pasto (August 22-25), Pereira (September 25-28), Cali (October 17-20), and Santa Marta (November 7-10). This regional expansion seeks to engage local audiovisual industry agents, promote training, and create networking spaces that contribute to the strengthening of the local industry.

BAM’s main activities will be held at three locations in Bogotá: Gimnasio Moderno, the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce – Chapinero Branch, and the Multiplex Cine Colombia on Avenida Chile. Gimnasio Moderno will host academic expert talks (BAM Talks), industry breakfasts (BAM Brunches), a commercial fair (Big Top), and activities concerning television and digital content in partnership with MinTIC. The Bogotá Chamber of Commerce – Chapinero Branch will serve as the venue for one-on-one meetings, specialized industry sessions, and networking activities. Meanwhile, the Multiplex Cine Colombia on Avenida Chile will be the main projection venue for selected feature films and short films.

International guests from various regions will share their knowledge and experience to help boost and strengthen the Colombian audiovisual industry. Notable guests include Paula Astorga (Director of DocLisboa, Portugal/Mexico), Carlos Gutiérrez (Cinema Tropical, USA), Paula Zyngiermann (Producer, Argentina), Giancarlo Nasi (Producer-Quijote, Chile), Emilia Fort (Producer, Spain), and Nacho Lavilla (Producer, Spain). Other international guests include the Academy Award nominee and Goya award winner Raul García for his animation work at Disney; curator and distribution consultant Caitlin Smith; Academy member and producer Rodrigo Teixeira; among others.

A highlight of BAM 2024 is the new “Think Tank” section, a three-day event where four Latin American voices will discuss film creation and distribution. The event will feature daily presentations and audience participation in debates.

Additionally, BAM will host the second edition of the Colombia Locarno Industry Academy and the sixth edition of the Industry Academy in Latin America, an intensive training program created by the Locarno Festival to support young industry professionals in areas such as online and traditional distribution, sales, film marketing, exhibition, and programming.

Accreditations for industry agents, producers, and entrepreneurs are available at discounted rates during the early bird phase until June 16, and at regular rates until July 1. For more information, visit www.bogotamarket.com.

As BAM turns fifteen, it continues to expand and innovate, offering a comprehensive platform for the growth and development of the Colombian and Latin American audiovisual industry.

Follow the event on various social media platforms: /BAMBogotaAudioVisual Market (facebook); @bam_bogota (IG); BAM_Bogota (“X”).