AFCI to host the first Global Film Commission Network Summit in Cannes at the Marché du Film

In an exciting first, the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) will be making its debut in Cannes as part of the conference lineup of the Marché du Film, set to take place from 14 to 22 May during the 77th Festival de Cannes. This marks a significant milestone in AFCI’s 49-year history as it hosts the inaugural Global Film Commission Network Summit, one of the major highlights of this year’s film market program.

The Summit signifies a growing trend within the film industry, focusing on the pivotal role of film location selection and production strategies. This is the first time the Marché du Film is set to present a wealth of curated content on these subjects, underscoring their rising prominence in the industry dialogue.

Scheduled for 19 May (10:00-13:00) on the Main Stage, the Summit will provide a comprehensive update on global screen sector development, presented in partnership with Olsberg SPI. This update will build upon Olsberg’s landmark “Best Practice in Screen Sector Development” study released in 2019. The first-of-its-kind analysis has been used widely over the past five years by governments to grow their share of the global film/TV production market.

Other topics at the Summit will highlight selecting locations for authentic storytelling, indigenous community engagement and dismantling location stereotypes. Attendees will include film commissioners, policymakers and senior-level studio and independent production executives.

AFCI Executive Director Jaclyn Philpott said, “We are proud AFCI will play a significant role at the Marché du Film – Festival De Cannes this year to put a spotlight on the vital role film commissioners play within the production industry. Our expanded presence at Cannes underscores AFCI’s important role in the global screen sector.”

Since becoming Executive Director in January 2023, Philpott has implemented a new strategic plan to expand AFCI’s geographically and culturally diverse membership, welcoming independent producers and other industry decision makers into the organization for the first time, and reimagining AFCI’s signature events, including the annual AFCI Week conference (25-28 August 2024 in Los Angeles).

“The rise of film location importance is a growing topic and becoming a key focus within our industry,” states Guillaume Esmiol, Executive Director of the Marché du Film Director. “Our collaboration with AFCI, starting with this year’s summit, is the start of a growing partnership. As film commissions become increasingly crucial to getting productions off the ground, we look forward to supporting AFCI’s future ventures and encouraging this dialogue and growth at future market editions.”

Philpott added that film commissioners help support the film/TV industry in a myriad of ways that affect infrastructure and workforce development, locations, sustainability and inclusion/equity. They also help governments advance the positive impact of a vibrant screen sector on economic and cultural development.

AFCI  is pleased to have partnered with Higginbotham, a Los Angeles-based insurance and financial solutions company who is the Presentation Sponsor of the AFCI Summit.