During Sunny Side of the Doc 2023, Business Doc Europe caught up with Kathryn Bonnici, Head of Acquisitions and Development of Paris-based sales agent Java Films. Founded in 2005 by Roch Bozino, Java Films rapidly established itself as one of Europe’s leading independent distributors, handling both pre-sales and distribution for documentaries.
Last year, Java Films docs screened at 140 festivals around the world, winning 33 awards and gaining 10 special mentions.
First, we asked Bonnici to delve into the company’s editorial policy and to explain how the Java Films staff structure their work: “We are always looking for investigations, for strong journalism, for films which bring a fresh perspective on the biggest issues facing the world. We don’t represent shorts; all films need to be a minimum of a commercial hour.”
Java Films’ workflow is managed by three different departments. “We have a dedicated features department, who focuses on securing suitable premieres and maximising non-theatrical opportunities, along with a digital department who focuses on all VOD opportunities as well as social media marketing. Meanwhile, our sales department works on securing TV broadcasts, educational deals and in-flight sales. Our headquarters are in Paris, but we also have a hub in Barcelona and a representative [based] in London,” she explains.
Bonnici is very excited about this season’s slate of productions repped by Java Films. “From French production company Little Big Story, [we rep] the series Poison(s), which tells the story of how Russia has used poison as a geopolitical mechanism to influence and undermine the West. From Premières Lignes, we have an important investigation on greenwashing, [titled Greenwashing: The Climate Killer]. From Yuzu we have Don’t Come Back, which follows the extraordinary emotional journey of Ghadeer, a young journalist returning from the safety in Europe to his home in Mosul.”
“And, from Ligne de Front we have Wagner: Inside Putin’s Private Army which reveals allegations of torture and rape from around the world, as well as revealing the financing and tactical purpose of the Wagner group for Putin’s geopolitical aims.”
“We’re also thrilled to be representing the series Planet Killers from Première Lignes, which follows the Interpol Environmental Crimes Unit as they track down the criminal masterminds who are killing our planet.”
Bonnici states that Sunny Side of the Doc has always been a “key market” for Java Films.
“It’s an opportunity for us to connect with our regular buyers and we’ve often found it to be valuable for acquisitions. We have a full schedule here, mostly sales meetings but we’ve also managed to set aside some time to get together with some of our regular producers. Those personal relationships are at the centre of everything we do, and Sunny Side is a great venue to re-connect.”
