Marche du Film 

When walking into the Marche du Film, business appears to be booming.  It's day two into the festival and deals are already in the works and bidding wars over distribution rights to films have begun.  Though despite the Marche's surface appearance, many cannot ignore the current uncertainty of the European Independent film industry.  This uncertainty stems from the recent signs of the sector taking a hit similar to that of the American Independent Film Industry a few years ago.  According to "The Hollywood Reporter: The Cannes Daily," these warning signs include: reduced demand for "traditional art house films," decrease in supporting markets, and piracy.  To combat these problems, American companies are trying the use of VOD and platform release and in contrast, European companies are choosing to stick with tradition and are searching for unique strategies to receive financial support and distribute films.  This early in the festival it is hard to predict how this trend will effect the buying and selling of films featured in this year's Marche, but only time will tell. 

Rebecca Sokoloff

Melissa Evanko