AFCI Unveils Landmark Global Screen Tourism Playbook at This
Year’s Marché du Film
The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) is returning to Cannes for the second edition of its Global Film Commission Network Summit , where highlights will include the presentation of the industry’s first comprehensive playbook for expanding global screen tourism.
The “Screen Tourism Stakeholder Matrix and Best Practices Guide” will be presented on 17 May during the film commissioner Summit, which is part of the Marché du Film lineup during the 78th Festival de Cannes. This year’s 2nd annual summit will also kick off AFCI’s 50th anniversary celebration.
The AFCI Summit will convene film commissioners, producers and screen tourism experts from around the world. It shines a spotlight on the growing strategic role of film commissioners in global production, as well as the profound economic potential of screen tourism.
“As we celebrate AFCI’s 50th anniversary, our collaboration with the Marché du Film highlights the power of global partnerships in shaping the future of the film industry,” said AFCI Executive Director Jaclyn Philpott. “The Summit is a catalyst for collaboration and innovation across the industry, including screen tourism, which is a powerful yet under-leveraged driver of economic and cultural growth.”
“As AFCI celebrates its 50th anniversary, this Summit at the Marché du Film represents an exciting moment for the global film community,” said Marnie Gee, Board Chair of AFCI and BC Film Commissioner at Creative BC. “By bringing together film commissions and industry leaders from across the world, we’re creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration and knowledge-sharing that will shape the future of screen tourism and production on a global scale.”
“We’re proud to support AFCI’s return to the Marché du Film with this unique and impactful summit. Film commissioners are essential to the global screen sector economy, acting as a key driver for making film and TV production possible around the world,” said Guillaume Esmiol, Executive Director of the Marché du Film. “At the Marché du Film, we’re proud to be a place where these meaningful connections happen, and we’re excited to shine a light on the crucial work they do.”
The first-of-its-kind screen tourism playbook was created in collaboration with SetJetters, a global film location database and screen tourism destination developer. It defines the key stakeholders involved in developing screen tourism initiatives, recommended action points during each phase of production, and advice for ensuring sustainability. Designed as both a reference and planning tool, the playbook presents clear, actionable steps for destinations, film offices, and industry partners to utilize and work together to maximize film tourism.
“At SetJetters, we believe screen tourism should be intentional, not accidental,” said Erik Nachtrief, CEO and Co-Founder of SetJetters. “This best-practices guide reflects our mission to help all stakeholders unlock the full potential of every scene filmed in their region. We’re proud to partner with AFCI to bring this unique resource to the global film commission community.”
About AFCI’s Second Global Film Commission Network Summit at Cannes
This year’s second annual AFCI Summit at Marché du Film will take place on Saturday, 17 May, from 14:30 – 17:30 pm CET. It will feature case studies and panels with global leaders in screen production and tourism. Sessions will be live-streamed for all virtual Cannes Film Festival badge holders and simulcast on AFCI.org.
Sessions include:
- AFCI’s Best Practices in Screen Tourism – featuring examples from New Zealand and Athens, Greece
- Commissions & Collaborations – exploring partnerships to drive regional screen sector and community development
- Inside “The Substance” – a case study of the production model behind last year’s Cannes breakout film
- 50 Years of AFCI – celebrating the organization’s half-century of advancing screen sector development worldwide
Confirmed speakers include:
- Nicolas Royer, Producer, Voulez-Vous Productions
- Anne Seibel, Oscar-nominated Production Designer
- Inya Lawal, Founder, Africa Creative Network
- Andria Wilson Mirza, Director of International Programs, Women in Film L.A.
Film commissioners from Europe, South America, the Caribbean, Asia, Canada, the Middle East and the US will also be among the featured speakers.
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