We are thrilled to announce that two outstanding students in the international master’s program have been awarded the EPI scholarships.
Congratulations to Júnia Matsuura and Lediona Kasapi! The scholarships were symbolically presented during their first in-person study week in Potsdam-Babelsberg, where the third cohort gathered for the second module: The Legal Framework of the European Film and TV Business.
Meet Júnia Matsuura
Originally from Brazil and now based in Germany, Júnia is a producer, distributor, and consultant with extensive experience in global cinema. She holds degrees in Film and Audiovisual Studies from UFF (Brazil) and the Free University of Berlin. Her career includes roles at the Berlinale’s World Cinema Fund and prestigious German companies such as One Two Films, Niko Films, The Match Factory, and Pluto Film. A member of the EAVE network since 2022, Júnia is currently collaborating with fellow scholarship recipient Lediona Kasapi on the alternative distribution initiative WE ARE HERE.
“I was searching for a master's program that combined business strategy with knowledge of the film industry for a long time, and EPI’s curriculum is exactly what I wanted. At this point in my career as a producer and distributor, I’m eager to gain advanced knowledge that can truly impact my business. I’m focused on bridging the gaps between producers, distributors, and independent cinemas, especially for films that tell underrepresented stories. And I’m very happy to embark on this journey alongside Lediona Kasapi, developing the alternative distribution initiative *WE ARE HERE*. So, this scholarship feels like a validation of my efforts so far and a boost to both of us.”
Meet Lediona Kasapi
Originally from Albania and now based in Berlin, Lediona has built a multifaceted career in the film industry. After studying Law in Tirana, she joined the NEXT WAVE program at the Deutsche Film- und Fernsehakademie Berlin (DFFB). Her expertise spans film sales, entertainment law, international relations, and production. She is also 1/2 of WE ARE HERE, which bridges the gap between distributors and exhibitors, while working as Festivals Manager at TVCO in Rome and providing consultancy in festivals and international distribution.
"I am truly grateful for this scholarship; it means a great deal to me, and I likely wouldn’t be able to attend without it. I deeply appreciate the program's curation so far and am thankful for the opportunity to connect with all the amazing colleagues and lecturers I have met. I hope this positive experience continues and beautifully impacts WE ARE HERE—our shared, brilliant initiative with Júnia.
I am convinced that this LL.M. will enhance my position in the industry as one of the few specialized professionals in European Film Law, providing me with the momentum I need to attract my dream clients both here and overseas.”
The European Film Business and Law LL.M. | MBA is an international master's program designed for executives and professionals in the audiovisual industry. It is a collaboration between the Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF, the University of Potsdam, and the Erich Pommer Institut, offering a unique combination of legal and business expertise tailored to the film and TV industry.
Congratulations once again to Júnia and Lediona for this well-deserved recognition, and we look forward to seeing their continued impact in the industry!
Contact
Katriina Miola
Project Manager European Film Business and Law LL.M. | MBA
+49 (0) 331 76 99 15 28 | km@epi.media
Laura Speicher
Project Coordinator European Film Business and Law LL.M. | MBA
+49 (0) 331 76 99 15 23 | ls@epi.media