The Cannes Film Market, one of the biggest screening exhibitions on the festival circuit, is once again open for business, from May 13 to 23. Approximately 10,000 participants from the four corners of the planet will sort through the 4,500 films, both in-the-making and completed, in the huge 140,000-square-foot area of the Palais des Festivals.

Film Market director Jérôme Paillard deemed this year’s edition “par” despite the economic slump. "Attendance at this year's event is already almost as high as it was last year, and there are still people arriving. So far, we've got 10,000 participants, which is only 3 or 4 % less than last year. The geographical spread is about the same too… Participation from the US is probably 5% lower, but higher for countries like China, Mexico, and Egypt; France is probably about 3% higher. So there aren't any huge gaps." (10,700 participants from 101 countries were accredited in 2008.)

"In terms of exhibitors, we have the same number as last year. That means all the film dealers we usually see at Cannes are here…same for the buyers, and likewise, the number of films on the market is the same as last year. So there will be about 1,500 screenings again this year, although we have one less screening room than last year, about 40 fewer screenings. This isn't a record year, obviously."

Noting the downward trend in film sale prices, Paillard projected that this Film Market will certainly benefit low-budget, independent films. "The market is for independent film fare. Distributors who wouldn't have paid attention to that kind of film in more prosperous times are taking an interest in them now as a means of minimizing financial risk. These films are affordable. This is a bonanza for low-budget films."

He also talked about 3D viewing reaching maturity. "3D is one of the interesting developments. There are plenty of films at the market, from Australia, Hong Kong, the US… In itself, Up is a milestone for the genre. It's the first 3D animation film where the 3D is so seamlessly integrated that you almost forget you're wearing the glasses. It shows that 3D is beginning to come of age."

 

Credit image: Eric Bonte