CANNES (May 21, 2015)
This year's edition of the Marché du Film is wrapping on a high note, with an uptick in the number of territories in attendance, and an enthusiastic response to new
innovations, including the first China Summit, the first private Investors Club for high-net individuals, and the second editions of both NEXT, the pavilion dedicated to the future of cinema, and the Marché Mixers cocktails.
"I'm delighted with the results all round," said Jerome Paillard, the Executive Director of the Marché du Film. "We have seen real connections made at our first China Summit and had a positive response to the China Summit seminars which have drawn top- level panelists to speak about topical themes, from VOD to international productions.
John Sloss, Gabriel Hammond, Vincent Grimond, Rena Ronson, David Linde were some of the many speakers at the Cannes Investors Club. “Through our first Investors Club for high-net individuals, new to film, we have sought to welcome potential partners here on the Riviera, and hopefully tapped into additional sources of funding for films of all size."
More Countries
This year, there were 120 countries that took part in the Marché du Film, marking an increase of four countries, including Afghanistan, while Nepal, despite the recent tragedy, was also represented by a producer.
And growth could be witnessed within certain individual territories, including, notably, South Korea. "We saw a ten-percent growth in attendance in 2014, followed by fifteen percent this year from that territory, thanks to new ventures in South Korea," he said.
Meanwhile, two new initiatives introduced in 2014, including the NEXT Pavilion dedicated to the future of cinema, and the second set of Marché Mixer cocktails,
focusing on specific themes, were also enthusiastically received.
"A highlight for us was to have Ted Sarandos of Netflix 'In Conversation' for NEXT. Netflix is one of the companies making the future of cinema, and it is important to hear firsthand how they are going about it," he said. "Sarandos kicked off a packed program of forward-thinking talks as part of a prime program that was booked to capacity."
Additionally, a number of other ongoing platforms within the Marché were fully booked well in advance of the market, including the Producers Workshop, the Producers Network and the Works In Progress program.
With documentaries making up around sixteen percent of market titles, the Doc Corner is another key section each year.
"Documentary filmmakers find having such a dedicated space within the market a huge plus, as do buyers, sellers and programmers," said Julie Bergeron, Head of Industry Programs.
“This year, around 80 percent of the market titles screening were world premieres. This is a great result," said Paillard.
This year there were 1500 screenings. The Marché completed the overhaul of its existing screening rooms, and added the nine screens at the Olympia to the collection of Marché theaters for 2015.
Finally, new and returning pavilions on the Croisette this year included Iran and Japan which last had a pavilion in 2010.
"The international pavilions each year provide registered badge holders with the opportunity to go on a global tour of the film industry, right here at the International Village," said Maud Amson, head of Sales and Operations. "The Marché is a truly global endeavor, and we are so pleased to once again welcome delegations from as far afield as Ireland and Iran. What this means is increased diversity. The Marché is not only the biggest industry gathering of the year but also the most global."
Contact: David Beauvallet / dbeauvallet@festival-cannes.fr