“I have a particular fondness for television releases, and the way they surreptitiously sneak into people’s living rooms”
– The Luxembourgish producer explains the social and political mission of documentary filmmaking is one of the aspects that drew him to it
Originally a director, Yann Tonnar created his own production company Manufactura Pictures after having been the creative producer on a documentary series that ran for five years and 72 episodes. Now focusing entirely on production, his fields of interest range from social issues, arts and music to more historical topics. Yann headed Luxembourg’s directors’ union for ten years, its film academy for six years, and currently chairs the European Federation of Film Academies (FACE). He is fluent in English, French and German, Luxembourgish. An interview with him, now selected for the 2026 Emerging Producers programme (read his EP profile here).
Why do you produce documentaries? Do you see documentary cinema as an instrument of social and political change?
Yann Tonnar: I started out as a documentary film director. Then I became the creative producer of a documentary series, where in five years we produced 72-half-hour episodes of pure observational documentary, involving twenty different directors. That’s where I discovered I enjoy helping other directors realize their vision. Five years ago I created my own production company, and I am now focusing entirely on producing.
Yes, I do believe in a social and political mission – this is one of the aspects that drew me to documentary filmmaking in the first place. Whether documentary cinema can act as a genuine agent of change depends on the context, but there are certainly films that demonstrate it can. At the same time, creative ambition is just as important to me: a film’s artistic strength is what allows its political or social dimension to resonate and endure.
How do you achieve and maintain work-life balance and foster overall well-being?
An important question, and I’m happy to see that these topics are finally being addressed. For many years, alongside my main work, I was deeply involved in professional and representative bodies: ten years as head of the directors’ union in Luxembourg, six years as president of the National Film Academy, and two years as chair of the Federation of Film Academies of Europe (FACE). While these were very important commitments in my life, I have gradually stepped down over the past years from all representative positions. This has allowed me to concentrate fully on producing, while also making space for my private life. I should add that the satisfaction I derive from my work itself contributes significantly to my overall well-being – finding balance does not mean disengaging, but rather choosing where to invest one’s energy.
Where do you find audiences for your films?
This is a vast question, and the answer varies greatly from one film to another, depending on the subject, the format, and whether the release is cinematic, television-based or on streaming platforms – leaving aside, of course, the crucial roles played by distributors, sales agents and other partners.
For me, it is not only important that a film finds its audience, but also that the issues it addresses gain visibility and generate discussion. Whenever possible, we therefore try to accompany our films with moments of debate and exchange around their themes.
In connection with the idea of social and political impact, cinema releases always carry the risk of mainly reaching audiences who are already sensitised to the subject and largely “on the same side”. Although a cinema release remains the gold standard, and certain films need the big screen to breathe, I have a particular fondness for television releases, and the way they surreptitiously sneak into people’s living rooms, and reach viewers who would never actively choose to go to the cinema. These are often the audiences you most want to engage.
What projects do you have underway (including fiction films and other projects)?
Currently airing is an observational documentary series on the housing crisis in Luxembourg. In pre-production are two documentaries in co-production with France for Arte, one on a historical topic, the other cultural. We are also in post-production of an immersive installation for a museum, as well as working on an ongoing commissioned campaign. Several fiction projects are currently in early development, we’ll see what the future brings.
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EMERGING PRODUCERS is a leading promotional and educational project, which brings together talented European documentary film producers. The programme is organised and curated by the Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival.
Deadline for applications to the EMERGING PRODUCERS 2027 edition is 31st March 2026.
