The new CEO for the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI), Larry Brownell, is in Cannes stressing the "importance of well-trained commissions," and to further the AFCI's presence at the Festival. The Association is a non-profit organization, which serves as the official organization for film commissioners that help the production of film, TV and video in their respective city, state, region, or country around the world. According to "Cannes Market News," that after taking part in the festival, Brownell says, "It strengthens my opinion about how important the Festival is to the commissions." Along with getting together, like in Cannes, the Association hosts two main events a year, which are the Locations Trade Show in Santa Monica, California and the AFCI Cineposium, held in various locations in the Fall. Cannes has also been a means of networking for Brownell, looking for "quality industry professionals" to serve as speakers at these AFCI events.

-Rebecca Sokoloff