FERA Chair Bill Anderson in conversation with Teona Strugar Mitevska at SAA 15th Anniversary Conference

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On the occasion of the 15^th anniversary of the Society of Audiovisual Authors (SAA), a conference was held in Brussels on 4 November. The event focused on copyright law enforcement in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), exploring new strategies to protect and advance authors’ rights in these rapidly changing times. Among the many speakers was FERA Chair of the Board Bill Anderson, who moderated a conversation with filmmaker Teona Strugar Mitevska.

The conference opened with a keynote speech by Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, who reaffirmed his commitment to supporting artistic freedom, safeguarding human creativity and fair remuneration, and improving working conditions in an era of rapid generative AI developments.

The first panel brought together Urša Menart, director and chair of the Slovenian Filmmakers Guild, FERA Slovenian member; Jochen Greve, German screenwriter; Barbara Hayes, chair of SAA, Jochem Donker, LIRA; and Emmanuelle Du Chalard, Head of Copyright Unit, European Commission. Together, they reflected on the evolution of collective rights management in Europe since the creation of the SAA, highlighting the collective fight to enshrine fair remuneration in the 2019 Copyright Directive.

The first session was followed by a fireside conversation between Bill Anderson and North Macedonian filmmaker Teona Strugar Mitevska, winner of the 2019 LUX Audience Award for God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunya. Teona reflected on the paradox that, while the European system is among the best in supporting filmmakers, she still struggles to make a living as an award-winning director. She spoke passionately about her drive to tell stories of strong women, as embodied in her latest film Mother. Teona also addressed the growing threat posed by AI, as well as the realities of being a woman filmmaker and her ongoing fight to earn her place in a male-dominated industry.

The second panel brought together Emma Rafowicz, MEP and Vice-Chair of the Culture Committee; Belgian director Cato Kusters; Polish director and screenwriter Aleksander Pietrzak; SAA Vice-Chair Patrick Raude; and SAA Board Member Jana Vozárová. The discussion emphasized the importance of collective action, illustrated by the fight led by Polish authors to implement the Audiovisual and Media Services Directive. Participants touched upon the conscious decision of young directors to refrain from using AI while acknowledging its inevitable role in the future. The panel also addressed the ongoing struggle for fair remuneration and the need to stand firm against the dominance of big tech. Emma Rafowicz concluded by reminding participants that fighting for culture is, ultimately, fighting for democracy.