Latest news with #AmericanPavilion
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Own Your Audience, Shape Your Future: How Filmmakers Are Rewriting the Rules at Cannes
'When you own your audience, you own your future.' That line set the tone at 'Build Your Audience, Own Your Future,' a panel at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival hosted by the American Pavilion. The takeaway: If you're a filmmaker, your success doesn't depend on getting picked. You can start building your path now. More from IndieWire Tom Cruise to Be Celebrated at MoMI with 'Above and Beyond' Retrospective Festival Cannes 2025 Films Sold So Far: Janus Films Acquires Hlynur Pálmason's 'The Love That Remains' Filmmaker Richard Olla shared how her short film 'Cow Heavy and Floral,' a split-screen portrait of a postpartum writer, didn't follow the traditional festival route. 'You wait 12 to 18 months to see if the festivals say yes,' she said. 'But that was unacceptable to us.' Instead, she and her team built their own screenings, connected with parenting groups and policy advocates, and created a companion initiative called Meals About Motherhood to host conversations around the film. 'We're not trying to do it for the money,' Olla said. 'But we have to make it accessible. And it makes me feel like the joy of creating is back in my hands.' The result is a film that's now screened in 19 states and never had a festival premiere. Producer Leila Meadow O'Connor, co-founder of The Popcorn List, took a different approach to audience-building. Her platform, which has been called 'the Black List for undistributed films,' collects strong festival titles that haven't yet found distribution. 'Art houses needed new films,' she said. 'Great movies were out there. We created a signal boost.' The Popcorn List has already highlighted nearly 40 features, many from first-time directors. Next up: a national tour to bring these films to theaters in 10–15 cities. 'Filmmakers may not have money,' O'Connor said, 'but they have social capital. We're asking: How can we all lift each other up?' Few people understand the indie landscape like Ted Hope, who's produced dozens of films including 'American Splendor' and 'Martha Marcy May Marlene.' But even he's looking forward, not back. 'I don't need your films,' he said. 'I've already picked every movie I want to see before I die. The only reason I need your work is because it reflects today's world. That's your power.' Hope now runs Hope for Film, a Substack and filmmaker community focused on ownership, transparency, and sustainability. His big prediction? 'In five years, distribution will be a service,' he said. 'And the core of that shift will be your relationship with your audience.' He encourages filmmakers to think beyond one project. Post updates. Share lessons. Build a community. Just start. 'Success isn't measured by money,' he said. 'It's about sustaining your practice without needing permission.' The message was clear: You don't have to wait. Whether you're making a short, a doc, or your first microbudget feature, you have the tools to reach people now. But it starts with clarity. 'Ask yourself: What's your goal?' Olla said. 'Is it prestige? Impact? Community? That answer shapes everything else.' As the panel wrapped, Ted Hope handed out QR codes for his newsletter—and reminded filmmakers to give something of value, right there in the room. 'The cinema is no longer just your neighborhood,' he said. 'It's global. Everything you've felt has already been felt by someone else, somewhere else. And they're waiting to hear from you.' Best of IndieWire Guillermo del Toro's Favorite Movies: 56 Films the Director Wants You to See 'Song of the South': 14 Things to Know About Disney's Most Controversial Movie The 55 Best LGBTQ Movies and TV Shows Streaming on Netflix Right Now
Reuters
15-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
After US tariff shock, Cannes Film Market is cautiously business-as-usual
CANNES, France, May 15 (Reuters) - Buyers and sellers are heading into this year's Cannes Film Market under a cloud of uncertainty as the initial shock of U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed 100% tariff on foreign-made films has faded into a cautious business-as-usual approach. While the Cannes Film Festival conjures visions of glamorous celebrities on the red carpet and yacht parties, the film market, the world's largest, is the main attraction, bringing together industry players, big and small, to do business. With over 15,000 participants from more than 140 countries, this year's market, opens new tab is set to match last year's record attendance, with the United States still the top participating country despite the recent shifts in international policy. The market has become even more important as the indie film industry - still struggling in the wake of the pandemic, opens new tab and the 2023 Hollywood double strike - has to be more selective about where to put resources when pursuing deals, according to Scott Roxborough, European bureau chief for The Hollywood Reporter. The American Pavilion, opens new tab, which represents U.S. interests at the market, said it expected tariffs would be brought up during panel discussions but did not plan any talks dedicated to them. "We continue to try to understand what this will mean for our industry," said pavilion president and founder Julie Sisk. Cinthya Calderon from the Berlin-based boutique sales outfit m-appeal said the tariff announcement was "a momentary shock." "For now, it seems that everyone is maybe not brushing this information off, but everybody's just thinking, 'well, you know, it is what it is,' but nothing's settled," she said. Nobody knows how this is going to play out, said Rich Wolff, CEO of Philadelphia-based independent distributor Breaking Glass Pictures, which buys multiple foreign-language films annually. Wolff, whose company also produced about 15 films in the U.S. last year, said he hoped Trump's stated desire to revive the domestic film industry would translate to fiscal incentives. "I would hope as our government wants to bring film-making back into the United States that there would be some sort of level of support given to those who need and deserve it, similar to what is going on in the European Union and the UK," he said. Lifting the market's spirits are last year's commercial and popular success of independent films like "The Brutalist" and Oscar blow-out "Anora", as well as the strong consumer demand for international content, particularly on streaming services. Noah Segal, co-president of Canadian distribution and production company Elevation Pictures, suggested consumer preferences could ultimately transcend political blockades. "Trump can put up barriers all he wants, but consumers still want to watch 'Squid Game,'" he said. "I would argue there is enough momentum as a side that the magnetism of international content will drive us to a better solution than just an absolute turning off the taps." Marc Iserlis, head of film at the Republic investment platform, said those indie successes were a sign audiences wanted more than just reboots and sequels, and were moving away from the current "de-globalised moment" following the pandemic. Iserlis heads Republic's new film financing vertical that allows fans to invest in filmmakers' projects, which he said offered a new way to make films amid industry-wide disruption. "This is offering a third new direction, a new channel for investment other than just the high net worth individuals and the studio deals that a lot of film-makers have to take." The market, which opened Tuesday, will run through May 21.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
After US tariff shock, Cannes Film Market is cautiously business-as-usual
By Miranda Murray CANNES, France (Reuters) -Buyers and sellers are heading into this year's Cannes Film Market under a cloud of uncertainty as the initial shock of U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed 100% tariff on foreign-made films has faded into a cautious business-as-usual approach. While the Cannes Film Festival conjures visions of glamorous celebrities on the red carpet and yacht parties, the film market, the world's largest, is the main attraction, bringing together industry players, big and small, to do business. With over 15,000 participants from more than 140 countries, this year's market is set to match last year's record attendance, with the United States still the top participating country despite the recent shifts in international policy. The market has become even more important as the indie film industry - still struggling in the wake of the pandemic and the 2023 Hollywood double strike - has to be more selective about where to put resources when pursuing deals, according to Scott Roxborough, European bureau chief for The Hollywood Reporter. The American Pavilion, which represents U.S. interests at the market, said it expected tariffs would be brought up during panel discussions but did not plan any talks dedicated to them. "We continue to try to understand what this will mean for our industry," said pavilion president and founder Julie Sisk. Cinthya Calderon from the Berlin-based boutique sales outfit m-appeal said the tariff announcement was "a momentary shock." "For now, it seems that everyone is maybe not brushing this information off, but everybody's just thinking, 'well, you know, it is what it is,' but nothing's settled," she said. Nobody knows how this is going to play out, said Rich Wolff, CEO of Philadelphia-based independent distributor Breaking Glass Pictures, which buys multiple foreign-language films annually. Wolff, whose company also produced about 15 films in the U.S. last year, said he hoped Trump's stated desire to revive the domestic film industry would translate to fiscal incentives. "I would hope as our government wants to bring film-making back into the United States that there would be some sort of level of support given to those who need and deserve it, similar to what is going on in the European Union and the UK," he said. LASTING APPEAL Lifting the market's spirits are last year's commercial and popular success of independent films like "The Brutalist" and Oscar blow-out "Anora", as well as the strong consumer demand for international content, particularly on streaming services. Noah Segal, co-president of Canadian distribution and production company Elevation Pictures, suggested consumer preferences could ultimately transcend political blockades. "Trump can put up barriers all he wants, but consumers still want to watch 'Squid Game,'" he said. "I would argue there is enough momentum as a side that the magnetism of international content will drive us to a better solution than just an absolute turning off the taps." Marc Iserlis, head of film at the Republic investment platform, said those indie successes were a sign audiences wanted more than just reboots and sequels, and were moving away from the current "de-globalised moment" following the pandemic. Iserlis heads Republic's new film financing vertical that allows fans to invest in filmmakers' projects, which he said offered a new way to make films amid industry-wide disruption. "This is offering a third new direction, a new channel for investment other than just the high net worth individuals and the studio deals that a lot of film-makers have to take." The market, which opened Tuesday, will run through May 21. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
After US tariff shock, Cannes Film Market is cautiously business-as-usual
* Nobody knows how this will play out, says distributor * Attendance matches last year's record level * US still top participating country despite policy shifts * Consumer demand for international content remains strong CANNES, France, - Buyers and sellers are heading into this year's Cannes Film Market under a cloud of uncertainty as the initial shock of U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed 100% tariff on foreign-made films has faded into a cautious business-as-usual approach. While the Cannes Film Festival conjures visions of glamorous celebrities on the red carpet and yacht parties, the film market, the world's largest, is the main attraction, bringing together industry players, big and small, to do business. With over 15,000 participants from more than 140 countries, this year's market is set to match last year's record attendance, with the United States still the top participating country despite the recent shifts in international policy. The market has become even more important as the indie film industry - still struggling in the wake of the pandemic and the 2023 Hollywood double strike - has to be more selective about where to put resources when pursuing deals, according to Scott Roxborough, European bureau chief for The Hollywood Reporter. The American Pavilion, which represents U.S. interests at the market, said it expected tariffs would be brought up during panel discussions but did not plan any talks dedicated to them. "We continue to try to understand what this will mean for our industry," said pavilion president and founder Julie Sisk. Cinthya Calderon from the Berlin-based boutique sales outfit m-appeal said the tariff announcement was "a momentary shock." "For now, it seems that everyone is maybe not brushing this information off, but everybody's just thinking, 'well, you know, it is what it is,' but nothing's settled," she said. Nobody knows how this is going to play out, said Rich Wolff, CEO of Philadelphia-based independent distributor Breaking Glass Pictures, which buys multiple foreign-language films annually. Wolff, whose company also produced about 15 films in the U.S. last year, said he hoped Trump's stated desire to revive the domestic film industry would translate to fiscal incentives. "I would hope as our government wants to bring film-making back into the United States that there would be some sort of level of support given to those who need and deserve it, similar to what is going on in the European Union and the UK," he said. LASTING PEAL Lifting the market's spirits are last year's commercial and popular success of independent films like "The Brutalist" and Oscar blow-out "Anora", as well as the strong consumer demand for international content, particularly on streaming services. Noah Segal, co-president of Canadian distribution and production company Elevation Pictures, suggested consumer preferences could ultimately transcend political blockades. "Trump can put up barriers all he wants, but consumers still want to watch 'Squid Game,'" he said. "I would argue there is enough momentum as a side that the magnetism of international content will drive us to a better solution than just an absolute turning off the taps." Marc Iserlis, head of film at the Republic investment platform, said those indie successes were a sign audiences wanted more than just reboots and sequels, and were moving away from the current "de-globalised moment" following the pandemic. Iserlis heads Republic's new film financing vertical that allows fans to invest in filmmakers' projects, which he said offered a new way to make films amid industry-wide disruption. "This is offering a third new direction, a new channel for investment other than just the high net worth individuals and the studio deals that a lot of film-makers have to take." The market, which opened Tuesday, will run through May 21.
Scotsman
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Award-winning Scottish vegan chocolates to feature in VIP gift bags at Cannes
Scottish company Fetcha Chocolates, known for its hand-crafted, award-winning, allergen-friendly vegan chocolates, will once again be creating sweet treats to be enjoyed by A-list celebrities. The chocolates are set to be part of the VIP gift bag at The American Pavilion at this year's prestigious Cannes International Film Festival, taking place May 13 – 24 along the French Riviera. The American Pavilion (AmPav) serves as the epicenter for hospitality, communications and business for the thousands of American and international Festival and Marché attendees as well as many A-list Hollywood stars and leading entertainment executives. To mark the occasion, Fetcha Chocolates has created 'The Cannes Collection' - a limited edition, vibrant and globally inspired box of chocolates that celebrates the international spirit of the festival. The collection includes indulgent flavours such as Yuzu Ganache, Lucuma Caramel, Cappuccino, Matcha and Lime, Mexican Hot Chocolate, and Haggis Spice. The exclusive gift bags will be available to The American Pavilion's red carpet members and many well-known directors, actors, producers, writers and industry movers and shakers who participate in AmPav's highly-regarded Industry In Focus series and In Conversation programming. Owner of Fetcha Chocolates, Fiona McArthur said: 'It's an honour to share our chocolates with such a globally respected creative community. "With so many people from around the world at Cannes and visiting The American Pavilion, we wanted the flavours to reflect that diversity and creativity. We've poured our hearts into The Cannes Collection to make it something truly special.' The chocolate business was set up by Fiona in 2019 and has been dedicated to creating high-quality chocolates that cater to a variety of dietary preferences, including vegan and free-from options. In 2023 Fetcha Chocolates won two silver awards at the Great British Food Awards. Located in Campbeltown, Fetcha Chocolates has quickly earned acclaim for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and inclusivity in indulgence. After delighting Oscar-nominated celebrities with gift bag inclusions in 2024, the brand's presence at Cannes represents another sweet milestone on the world stage. For more information, visit the Fetcha Chocolates website.
