CANNES – New features for the 12th edition of MIA | International Audiovisual Market were announced in Cannes at the Italian Pavilion by director Gaia Tridente, who outlined a vision that marks the Market’s transition from a traditionally organized structure to an integrated platform that stretches across the entire audiovisual value chain. MIA, scheduled to take place in Rome from 19 to 23 October, aims to consolidate its position as an increasingly structured, dynamic, and effective industry platform able to support the entire audiovisual value chain and offer solid responses to market needs, by creating a strategic infrastructure to serve the entire audiovisual industry, encompassing animation, drama, feature films, documentaries, and storytelling.
"The current industrial landscape is characterized by shrinking financial resources, a reduced appetite for risk among major international players, transforming commissioning models, and a rapidly evolving ecosystem in terms of language, technology, and intellectual property (IP) sources," noted Gaia Tridente. "In this context, the Market must evolve from being a curated showcase and move forward as an integrated platform that can support the entire supply chain, from IP development to international distribution".
Key new tools include: the introduction of a new program exclusively dedicated to animated series, the Animation Series Gap Financing Market; the creation of the European Investment Hub (EIH), an innovative project to facilitate access to international financing; and a new experiential networking dimension "Casa MIA".
Co-production market and Gap Financing now open to animation
The co-production market, traditionally dedicated to films, documentaries, and drama series, is being expanded to include animated feature films. Calls for entries will open soon, with a probable deadline in early July.
Furthermore, MIA 2026 has a new program for animated series, the Animation Series Gap Financing Market, conceived for projects that are already supported by broadcasters and partially financed. In this context, producers, supported by broadcasters, will present animated projects seeking international co-producers, co-financing, and co-commissioners, with the aim of completing the financing structure and starting production. The call will open late May / early June. The initiative was created with multiple objectives: to match editorially valid content with international partners, accelerating the financing processes for animated series; to facilitate the entry of industry players into partially financed and broadcaster-backed projects; and to support the production of animated series with strong international potential.
The new features for MIA will also include a two-day transformation of the market into a platform for dialogue and in-depth analysis of the European and international financial instruments available to the audiovisual industry, with the European Investment Hub (EIH). The project was created with the aim of facilitating access to structured financial solutions, which are increasingly crucial to the development, consolidation, and competitiveness of creative businesses.
MIA aims to offer European and international operators a clear and concrete overview of the available tools and how to access them. The EIH program will focus on analysis and in-depth study of a broad spectrum of financial tools, including: co-production funds (regional, European, international, and EU cooperation funds); equity funds dedicated to the audiovisual and cultural and creative industries; guarantees and risk mitigation mechanisms, also in synergy with European and national institutions; completion bonds and insurance tools to support the finalization of projects; public-private co-investment models and local tools to support production; with auteur brands as new financial partners.
The activities will consist of themed round tables and informal networking opportunities, with the aim of encouraging direct dialogue between operators, investors, and institutions by taking a practical approach to financial mechanisms and intervention logics.
Another new feature of MIA 2026 is the launch of "CASA MIA", a project designed to redefine the market experience and strengthen its networking side. In this context, CASA MIA is positioned as a integrated networking hub near the main market areas, accessible to all accredited attendees.
Designed to function as a bonafide "audiovisual lounge", CASA MIA offers a space to meet, work, discuss, and develop new opportunities in a welcoming, well-maintained, and functional environment, where professional relationships can develop spontaneously. An environment that not only facilitates networking, but also helps strengthen the sense of belonging to the MIA international community.