Festivals like Cannes, the Berlinale, and the Munich International Film Festival are obviously major industry platforms. But smaller festivals also have an essential role to play. Festival organizers curate films that have regional relevance, connect with the local arts scene, and enable direct local engagement. In a panel discussion, Mila Zhluktenko, Hans-Christian Schmid, and Ingo Fliess will discuss the relevance of regional festivals.