Founded in 2005 by Roch Bozino, the French company Java Films rapidly established itself as one of Europe’s leading independent distributors, providing pre-sales and distribution for documentaries. A year on from the passing of Java Films founder and Managing Director, Java Film’s new director, Anne Simounet, explains how the company has adjusted.
Roch worked for many years as a producer at VM Group, where he founded the company’s international sales department in 1998 and headed its documentary distribution unit. In 2005 he founded his own company, Java Films, which he quickly established as one of Europe’s leading independent distributors. Respected across the industry for his unwavering support of documentary filmmakers, Roch was well known for his keen interest in political and historical documentaries in particular .
Simounet, who was also Bozino’s wife, became Java’s co-director with Roch in April 2022, and has ensured a steady transition since her appointment. Being the Managing Director of both Link Productions and Pallas Télévision, companies she co-founded in 2003, Simounet is well placed to give a unique and objective view of the current and future trends facing producers and distributors.
Simounet referred to the great challenge she undertook: "It was with an unusual sense of emotion that I took over the management of Java after Roch's departure a year ago. It's truly an honour to be able to continue the work and spirit that Roch started, and to do so with the help of a team of which I'm particularly proud - a close-knit, committed and talented team, committed to helping Java evolve while remaining true to its core values. Our commitment to Java goes beyond our professional responsibilities; it's a deeply personal one. We are driven by the passion for the subject matter and the human relationships that inspired Roch. It is this passion that has made Java a truly special place, and where we continue today to be committed to excellence and integrity", she commented.
Donatien Pierda and Kathryn Bonnici, who have worked closely with him over the last 15 years as International Sales Managers, have now taken on new responsibilities including strategic management of distribution and sales, as well as the day-to-day running of the company. Having worked closely with Bonnici to grow the Digital Department since 2021, Sophie Becker has been appointed Head of Digital, and Polly Haythornthwaite has been hired as her deputy with additional responsibilities for PR and the English Versions Department. The growth of Java Films’ Digital Department has also led to a number of new additions to its team, including four YouTube Channel Managers.
Other changes in the company include the recruitment of Marine Prévot to support sales in Asia, Eastern Europe and French-speaking territories. Olivier Semonnay has been given responsibility, in addition to his main post as Festivals Manager, for managing the educational sales of our catalogue. The Post-Production and Technical Deliveries Department is managed by Angélique Tourré and Chloé Chenut, who is now a full-time member of the team.
There has also been a move to reorganise the Administration and Accounts Department. Sabine de Clerck, who previously worked for France Télévisions, has joined Java Films as Administrative and Legal Manager, with responsibility for invoicing, issuing sales reports and the legal department.
Though Roch is irreplaceable, the team at Java Films, considering itself somewhat of a family business, is determined to continue his legacy, carrying forward his strong value for his business and partners into the ever-changing distribution landscape.