It was great to be back to a “normal” Cannes Film Festival after last year’s downsized event!
On 19 May, UNIC took part in a stakeholders’ meeting with the European Commission, to exchange updates about the European film sector. This was followed by a European Audiovisual Observatory Focus Session on Key Trends in the Film Sector – Peter Fornstam, Svenska Bio, took part in the panel and shared his insights about where cinemas are now. UNIC then attended the 100th anniversary reception of the MPA.
On 20 May, UNIC attended the European Film Forum dedicated to the launch of Media Invest. Commissioner Thierry Breton delivered the opening speech of Fostering Europe’s cultural autonomy through investment and IP exploitation: MediaInvest and was followed by two panels. You can re-watch the conference here.
On 21 May, UNIC attended the European Audiovisual Observatory session dedicated to Circulation of European films: is availability enough? Two panels took place – one on market realities, and the other one focusing on the regulatory framework. UNIC was then invited to a lunch together with the European Commission, Europa Cinemas and the CICAE to discuss the current issues linked to cinema exhibition.
On 22 May, UNIC attended the Europa Cinemas conference. The European Audiovisual Observatory gave an overview of the box-office and market shares 2021 and insights on the report “Circulation of European films on VOD and in cinemas”. Claude-Eric Poiroux then presented the 2021 results in the Europa Cinemas network and was followed by Michael Gubbins who talked about the results of the two focus groups “Gender Balance & Inclusion” and “Environment” and delivered a short overview on Collaborate to Innovate.
On 23 May, UNIC attended a CNC session dedicated to audiences. On the same day, UNIC took part in a conference it co-organised on the Market. Constant Gardeners: The Realities of Today’s Film Sector in Europe Panel was co-developed by the European Audiovisual Production Association (CEPI); Eurocinema; Europa Distribution; Europa International; the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF); the International Federation of Film Distributors' and Publishers' Association (FIAD); the Federation of European Screen Directors (FERA); the Federation of Screenwriters in Europe (FSE); the International Video Federation (IVF); and UNIC. It was attended by 150 people. UNIC CEO Laura Houlgatte delivered the conclusiosn together with Pauline Durand Vialle, CEO of FERA. You can re-watch the conference here and read our statement here.