Conference: Audiovisual authors' rights in disruptive times
4 November 2025
Events
In a rapidly evolving landscape, audiovisual authors' rights face unprecedented challenges. While the AI Act represents significant progress, the intersection with copyright law enforcement remains largely unresolved. European authors, other rightholders and CMOs struggle to maintain control over their works as AI companies seek to circumvent licensing obligations, and existing legal frameworks prove ineffective. For Europe's screenwriters and directors, these technological disruptions threaten the very foundation of sustainable creative careers. The conference will examine these challenges, take a look back at our collective achievements over the years, and explore new strategies to protect and advance authors' rights in these disruptive times.
SAA 15th Anniversary Conference and Networking
4 November I Full Circle, Brussels
By invitation only contact us if interested.
Programme
15:00-15:30 I Welcome and registration
15:30-15:45 I Conference opening
- Cécile Despringre, SAA Secretary General
- Anna Gumbau, Master of Ceremony
Keynote speech I The future of European culture
-
Glenn Micallef, EU Commissioner for Intergenerational Justice, Youth, Culture and Sport (video)
15:45-16:45 I Building the foundation: 15 years of audiovisual authors' rights advocacy
Confirmed panellists:
- Brando Benifei, MEP, Chair of the delegation for relations with the US
- Urša Menart, Slovenian screenwriter and director, SAA Patron
- Jochen Greve, German screenwriter, SAA Patron and Board Member of VG WORT
- Barbara Hayes, SAA Chair (ALCS)
- Jochem Donker, (LIRA)
16:45-17:00 I Coffee break
17:00-17:20 I Fireside talk
Teona Strugar Mitevska, screenwriter and director, North Macedonia, LUX Audience Award winner 2019 (‘God Exists, Her Name is Petrunya’), in conversation with Bill Anderson, Chair of the Federation of European Screen Directors.
17:20-18:20 I Navigating digital disruption - streaming platforms and AI in the audiovisual landscape
Panellists:
- Emma Rafowicz, MEP, Vice-Chair of the Culture Committee
- Cato Kusters, Belgian director, SAA Patron
- Aleksander Pietrzak, Polish director and screenwriter, SAA Patron
- Patrick Raude, SAA Vice-Chair (SACD)
- Jana Vozárová, SAA Board Member (LITA)
18:20-18:45 I Conference conclusions
- Barbara Hayes, SAA Chair
18:45-22:00 | Networking reception and walking dinner
Celebrating human creativity
To mark our milestone anniversary, the SAA proudly presents an original artwork by Spanish painter, illustrator, and animator Rocío Álvarez. This commissioned piece embodies our commitment to defending the value and livelihood of Europe's creative professionals. Through supporting human artistry, we reaffirm that authentic creativity remains irreplaceable in our digital age.
