Hidden gems by the next generation filmmakers
Cannes International Film Week is a revolutionary digital streaming film festival, operating independently yet concurrently with the renowned Cannes Film Festival. Held during the pinnacle week of the film industry, Cannes International Film Week offers filmmakers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their creations to the Cannes audience.
What sets Cannes International Film Week apart is its digital platform hosted on the Whush streaming service, providing accessibility to buyers, curators, and film professionals alike, regardless of their physical presence at Cannes. This groundbreaking approach effectively dismantles the traditional barriers of exclusivity associated with Cannes, democratizing access to cutting-edge cinema.
Unlike the industry-driven selections prevalent in Cannes, Cannes International Film Week takes a distinctively curated approach. Every film featured undergoes a rigorous selection process, ensuring a diverse and high-quality lineup that captivates audiences and industry insiders alike. This curated program encompasses a wide range of independent films, offering a dynamic showcase of creativity in various forms.
In contrast to the pay-to-play model of Cannes, where screenings and streaming slots are secured through financial transactions, Cannes International Film Week remains steadfastly curated, fostering an environment where artistic merit takes precedence over financial resources. This ethos creates a win-win scenario: Filmmakers gain invaluable exposure to the discerning Cannes audience, while industry professionals gain access to a meticulously curated selection of new cinematic works ripe for distribution.
Cannes International Film Week stands at the forefront of innovation, bridging the gap between filmmakers and industry professionals, while simultaneously revolutionizing the landscape of film festivals. With its commitment to quality and inclusivity, Cannes International Film Week represents a beacon of opportunity for emerging talents and established filmmakers alike, redefining the narrative of accessibility in the world of cinema.
CALL FOR ENTRIES
Do you have a film that’s suitable for the biggest screen of them all, the internet? Only submit your film if you’re comfortable with having your film being streamed online. The selection will go online during a period of 3 weeks. Viewers will be able to watch, but not download your film. If needed we can geo-block your film to our region (France). We’re open to any genre (narrative, web series, made for tv, documentary, experimental…) and especially any duration (which is always an issue for physical festivals). Selected filmmakers will receive all official selection perks (The Tarkovski Grant, The Producer’s Night nomination…) and are in the running for any of the award titles.
HISTORY
Founded as a quarterly online 'Martinique International Film Festival' in 2015, the festival ran for 8 editions before taking a break in 2018. In 2022 the festival was acquired by Tarkovski Ltd, a global player in the film festival world. New aims were set and a new approach was developed, transforming the Martinique International Film Festival into an online streaming platform, up to speed with present viewing behaviour in an increasingly digital world. In 2024 the festival merged with the Cannes International Film Week to become one of the most innovating digital film festivals out there.
NOTICE: Cannes International Film Week and Festival de Cannes
This serves as an official notification that Cannes International Film Week operates entirely independently and is not affiliated, associated, or endorsed in any manner with the Festival de Cannes. While both events occur concurrently, Cannes International Film Week functions as a separate entity, distinct in its organizational structure, programming, and objectives. As such, any representation or suggestion of a connection between Cannes International Film Week and the Festival de Cannes is inaccurate and misleading. Cannes International Film Week maintains its autonomy and operates under its own auspices, committed to providing a platform for filmmakers and fostering artistic expression without reliance on or endorsement from the Festival de Cannes.
Previous editions
Proud partner of The Bigger Screen
Cannes International Film Week is supported by The Bigger Screen, an organization that aims to make film as an art form more accessible and more inclusive.
Supporting Film Festivals: Film festivals are not only a place to share films, but they are a safe haven for film makers to connect, share, and learn. The Bigger Screens supports and engages with over 25 respected international film festivals from mainstays like the 61st Ann Arbor Film Festival and the Brussels Independent Film Festival to emerging events such as the Venice Film Week and The Producer’s Night Los Angeles. These events bring filmmakers and filmgoers together, providing that place to connect and engage in a comfortable setting, away from Hollywood glitz and glamour.
Connecting Cultures Program: Each year, The Bigger Screen selects ten countries and grants filmmakers from those areas the ability to submit their work free of charge to partner festivals all over the world. This opens the door of film exposure to those who may not otherwise be able to enter. As we support inclusivity and shareable films, this program exemplifies our mission.
Local Filmmakers Program: We understand that the cost of making a film can be taxing, so to encourage rising talent, we waive the festival submission fee to local talent. With numerous worldwide locations for festivals, this provides great opportunity for filmmakers around the world to enter the international film scene. This opportunity opens the world of film. Think global, act local, right?
Inclusive Audience Program: Our online streaming screenings are always low or even free of charge to provide opportunity for interested film goers to view up and coming, challenging, and inspiring pieces of art, encouraging students, seniors, and those in underprivileged environments to share the experience of film and cinema. We welcome film goers, regardless of income and financial status.
The Tarkovski Grant: All selected filmmakers will receive The Tarkovski Grant, a film festival submission fee waiver package with an average value of about $500. This not only saves you a lot of money, but it also recognizes your work as something to watch for during the selection procedure, making a selection with another partner film festival more likely - but of course, never guaranteed. The Tarkovski Grant supports hundreds of filmmakers each year in their challenging journeys as independent filmmakers, by promoting existing films, no matter the genre, style or length.