Joanna Szymańska

Joanna Szymańska is a Polish film producer and co-founder of Shipsboy, an independent production company focused on international co-productions and new models of development. With nearly two decades of experience across the European audiovisual landscape, she specializes in international co-productions, strategic development, and innovation in storytelling.

She has been an early adopter of AI in film, exploring its use in audience research, production workflows, and narrative development. Joanna is also a lecturer and strategic consultant, currently pursuing a PhD on evolving financial models in the European film industry.

She is actively engaged in shaping the future of the industry, serving as a member of the Board of the European Film Academy, as well as President of the Producers Guild of Poland.

Joanna believes the future of film depends not just on talent, but also on collaboration, courage, and knowing how the system works — so you can find your own way through it.