ZG PRO is the space that Zinegoak dedicates to the film industry, specifically to innovation research and training in relation to LGTBIQ+ audiovisual production. This area is essential to raise the visibility of agents and spaces that work in the development of cinema related to sexual diversity, identity and gender, and to bring these agents closer to specialised training spaces.
Whilst it is true that in recent years there has been more queer cinema in commercial circuits that reaches the public through theatres with great success, for most projects this remains an impenetrable wall. For all these reasons, ZG PRO 2024 continues to support the creation of LGTBIQ+ film projects at a local, national and international level.
To support this trend, we once again count on the collaboration of the Network of LGTBIQ+ Festivals Southern Europe, which includes Queer Lisbon and Queer Porto, Mix Milano, Chéries-chéris from Paris and Zinegoak.
Furthermore, we have the support of The State Network of LGBTIQ+ Laboratories (La Red Estatal de Laboratorios LGBTIQ +), formed by FIRE!!! LAB, from the Mostra FIRE!!! in Barcelona; QueerCineLab – made up of the Fundación Triángulo festivals: Lesgaicinemad, Cinhomo, Andalesgai and Fancinequeer – and Zinegoak. Together with the San Sebastian International Film Festival (SSIFF) and for the second year running, each laboratory is awarding the ZG PRO Industry SSIFF Award to a project participating in its space, guaranteeing the presence, participation and access to the different industry forums of the SSIFF to the producers of the winning works. This initiative arises with the aim of creating an alliance that gives more visibility and promotes LGTBIQ+ projects. At ZG PRO, the award is chosen by a committee made up of professionals from different areas of the cultural and film sector.
Besides, the digital marketplace for film and TV projects, Incoproduction, is once again on board, increasing its collaboration with the creation of the ZG PRO Work in Progress (WIP) platform, andwith Music Library & SFX support.
ZG PRO will take place over two days. On 27 June in the Bastida hall of the Azkuna Zentroa (AZ), master classes will be delivered by different leading professionals from the audiovisual and cultural sector at local, national and international level; and on 28 June in the Iparragirre hall of the AZ, where ZG PRO LAB will take place. At this event, the selected projects will be presented in pitching format, two relevant conferences will be presented in the field of film production and one-to-one sessions will be held with the ZG PRO jury members.
All ZG PRO activities are open to the general public, however, special attention is paid to professionals in the sector and students interested in training in the field of the film industry with a focus on LGTBIQ+ culture.