WCSFP Congress in Rio to showcase bold innovations in factual storytelling and AI disruption
The World Congress of Science and Factual Producers (WCSFP) has unveiled an early look at its 2025 program, set to take place from December 8-11 in Rio de Janeiro, marking the first time the event will be hosted in South America. This milestone aligns with WCSFP’s broader mission to expand into emerging markets while spotlighting the latest trends and innovations reshaping the global factual content industry.
The announced sessions reflect the conference’s focus on both the challenges and opportunities arising amid a period of rapid transformation within the industry. Leading sessions include “AI’s Got Talent: Today’s Tools, Tomorrow’s Storytellers,” which will delve into how artificial intelligence is reshaping production workflows and storytelling techniques. Another notable discussion, “Congress Deep Dive: An Industry in Turmoil—What’s Next?,” will explore how factual producers are adapting to a swiftly changing landscape marked by digital disruption and evolving audience expectations.
The program also confronts risk-aversion trends in factual programming with “Where’s the Controversy? Factual Programming Goes on Trial,” encouraging dialogue about bold storytelling choices. Additionally, “One Language, Many Stories: Co-Production in Spanish-Speaking Markets” will examine the benefits of cross-border partnerships, highlighting how collaborative projects are unlocking fresh funding, expanding audiences, and fostering creative opportunities across Spanish-speaking countries. The return of “What’s the Buzz” promises a showcase of standout new factual productions slated for 2025, offering a snapshot of the industry’s most exciting content.
The Congress will bring together a diverse group of producers, broadcasters, funders, commissioners, and innovators from around the world, featuring confirmed participants such as Arrow Media, SVT, Albatross World Sales, Grifa Films, France Télévisions, CBC/Radio-Canada, National Geographic, and BBC Studios Science Unit. This gathering aims to provide a space for in-depth discussions on key forces impacting factual storytelling, from AI and digital innovation to scientific discovery, historical reinterpretation, humor, creativity in natural history, and new collaboration models.
Leading voices headlining the event include Derek Muller, creator of Veritasium, one of the world’s largest and most influential science YouTube channels, who will keynote on creator-driven shifts in factual storytelling and audience engagement. He will be joined by Kevin Allocca, Global Director of Culture and Trends at YouTube, who will share insights on the dynamics shaping global viewing habits and platform innovation. Mariana van Zeller, an acclaimed journalist and executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning National Geographic series Trafficked, will provide a compelling perspective on immersive investigative reporting’s challenges and rewards.
The Congress is proudly hosted by the Rio Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (SMCT) with support from the Rio de Janeiro Mayor’s Office and active involvement from local media, culture, and scientific communities, including Grifa Filmes, Instituto Serrapilheira, LatAm Content Meeting, Rio Market, and TV Brasil. This collaboration ensures that the event not only reflects global industry issues but also connects deeply with the local context and emerging regional production markets.
Registration for the 2025 event is now open, with early bird rates available for those wishing to secure their place. The Congress promises four days of vibrant networking, outstanding sessions, and celebration of excellence in science, history, and factual storytelling, including the popular Buzzies awards. As WCSFP’s Conference Director, Paul Lewis, emphasises, amid an era of uncertainty and change, the Congress embraces the energy and diversity of the global factual community, spotlighting innovative funding models, creative partnerships, and bold storytelling that are redefining how factual content reaches audiences worldwide.
With its expanding global footprint and focus on innovation, Congress ’25 in Rio represents a pivotal moment for factual content executives seeking to engage with the forefront of industry transformation.