Visionär Films, a new Berlin-based world sales company, has been officially launched during this week’s Berlinale. The human city Francesca Vantaggiato & Nesligul Satir Francesca and Nesligul co-founded the company in early 2023. Their focus has been on moving towards picking up six to eight films a year. Visionär Films is dedicated to creative, compelling storytelling. They’re looking to collaborate with storytellers who defy mainstream ideas and push the limits of filmmaking.
The company’s inaugural acquisition is Amir Ovadia Steklov’s documentary, The New Jews. This beautifully made film takes us directly into the day-to-day existence of non-Zionist Israeli Diaspora Jews living in Berlin. It chronicles their quest for connection, intimacy, and excitement in a town defined by its dangerous legacy.
A Focus on Quality and Impact
Francesca Vantaggiato focused on quality over quantity during their film selection process.
“However, we aim to carefully curate the selected number of films we take on, ensuring that we can give each project the attention and tailored strategy it deserves. Quality and impact are our priorities over quantity.” – Francesca Vantaggiato
By sticking to a very selective approach, Visionär Films will guarantee that each project is given the attention it deserves. The founders think this is the best strategy for them to develop a positive reputation across their industry. Along the way, it will uplift emerging, diverse cinematic voices.
Championing Distinctive Voices
Visionär wasn’t created to be a traditional acquisition focused film distributor. The collective’s mission is to be the go-to studio for risk-taking filmmakers. Vantaggiato shared her excitement about fostering a setting in which unique perspectives can emerge.
“Our goal is to establish Visionär Films as a trusted partner for filmmakers who push creative boundaries. We want to build a strong reputation for discovering and championing distinctive voices in cinema while ensuring long-term success for the films we represent.” – Francesca Vantaggiato
The company’s aspiration is to unleash more creativity. Most of all, it commits itself to deepening our city’s film ecosystem by equipping developing filmmakers with more thorough backing.
Events for Emerging Filmmakers
Visionär Films intends to organize events in different cities throughout Germany. These events will act as accelerators, bringing together emerging independent filmmakers to present their work and network with industry professionals.
Their commitment to relationship building in the filmmaking community means they are focused on creating career fostering connections that support Switzerland’s best talent and innovation. By way of these incubators, Visionär Films hopes to nurture filmmakers, as well as provide an environment for collaboration and growth.
“The New Jews” by Amir Ovadia Steklov exemplifies this spirit of artistic inquiry and self-discovery that characterizes the new Jewish renaissance.
“When I moved to Berlin, I didn’t expect my Jewish identity to define me as much as it does here. Instead, I found myself caught in a different kind of entanglement—one where my national identity is inescapable, and my Jewishness is both fetishized and scrutinized. The New Jews is a deeply personal exploration of my current exile.” – Amir Ovadia Steklov