Producers LINK 2025 Selection Unveiled

Young Horizons Industry and Cinekid for Professionals have unveiled the 21 producers selected to participate in the 2025 Producers LINK.

“It is a pleasure to introduce this new group of talented emerging producers selected for the fifth edition of Producers LINK,” said Zofia Horszczaruk, head of Young Horizons Industry. “Their selection reflects the growing ambition and diversity of children’s media across Europe. Through this program, we aim to equip them with essential skills, connect them with essential international networks and inspire them with case studies of some of the most successful recent projects.

“The continued and new support from our partners and the enthusiasm from participants year after year confirm that Producers LINK plays an important role in shaping the future of children’s content. We look forward to seeing the impact these producers will make in the years to come.”

Over the course of two events, the selected producers will engage in a series of sessions and workshops focused on audience development and audience awareness approaches, international co-production and pitch deck creation. The program will also include case studies of successful European projects in collaboration with its partners. This year, the program is made in collaboration with three new partners: the Finnish Film Foundation, Screen Ireland and the Swedish Film Institute.

By participating in the program, the selected producers will also get a chance to attend Cinekid for Professionals and Young Horizons Industry. The former is running from October 21 to 24, while the latter is taking place from September 29 to October 1.

The producers selected for the 2025 edition are Ani Antonova of Animadre Studio (Austria); Dino Krpan of Diedra (Croatia); Goran Ribarić of Lux Film (Croatia); Anne Hørlyck of Nimbus Film (Denmark); Kristofer Piir of Allfilm OÜ (Estonia); Tiina Pesonen (Finland); Julia Dordel of Dorcon Film (Germany); Eliza Plocienniak-Alvarez of Blaue Pampelmuse (Germany); Konstantinos Koukoulis of ΠLANKTON (Greece); Peter Gal of Dracula & Partners Productions (Hungary); Orsolya Sipos of SALTO FILMS (Hungary); Lauren Fee of JAM Media (Ireland); Laura McNicholas of 925 Productions (Ireland); Noa Defesche of Een van de jongens (The Netherlands); Zoë Niezen of IJswater Films (The Netherlands); David Leader of 73 Eyes Film Production (Norway); Barbara Schmitt of INTHEMOOD Film (Norway); Zuzanna Maszka of GS Animation/Grupa Smacznego (Poland); Čarna Vučinić of NAKED (Serbia); Radka Machalová of Bright Sight Pictures (Slovakia); and Liselotte Persson of Gråklippan (Sweden).

Producers LINK is “a great place for education, new connections and new potential co-productions,” noted Jure Bušić of Jaka Produkcija (Croatia), a participant of the 2024 edition. “Great organization with an excellent combination within two well-known festivals and markets for children content.”

“Taking part in the Producers LINK program last year was a real eye opener for me,” noted Floor de Wolf of Mooie Nel (The Netherlands), another 2024 participant. “It gave me the chance to explore the evolving world of children’s media alongside a group of passionate producers. The program offered not just fresh industry insights but also a space for creative exchange and reflection. It left me feeling inspired to create meaningful content for young audiences.”

Jessica Cohen, coordinator for Cinekid for Professionals, added, “We’re delighted to welcome our new partners from Ireland, Sweden and Finland, bringing even more perspectives to the Producers Link program. As the program grows internationally, it’s clear that its role as a meeting point for children’s content producers—to build networks, share ideas and hone their skills—is more relevant than ever. We’re hugely grateful to all our partners new and returning; their continued support is what makes this possible.”