The American Pavilion Announces Programming for the 2025 Cannes Film Festival

Special Guests Include Spike Lee, Richard Linklater, Vicky Krieps, Michael Angelo Covino, and many more
Arab Film & Media Gold House, Easterseals, The Impact Lounge, Institute, United for Business and Visit California, to present panels

Legendary filmmakers, acclaimed actors, and headline-making journalists will be among those featured during the upcoming Industry In Focus Series and In Conversation programming at The American Pavilion (AmPav) at the 2025 Cannes International Film Festival, it was announced by Julie Sisk, Founder and President of The American Pavilion (www.ampav.com). 

Panels and conversations will take place in the Roger Ebert Conference Center and are open exclusively to AmPav members (https://www.ampav.com/cannes/). Programming begins Wednesday, May 14, and continues through Thursday, May 22, with a packed schedule of more than 25 sessions planned.

“We’re excited to welcome such an extraordinary group of filmmakers, talent, and industry leaders to The American Pavilion,” said Julie Sisk, Founder and President. “From icons like Spike Lee and Richard Linklater to visionary voices shaping the future of film, these conversations offer our members, students, and Emerging Filmmaker Showcase entrants a rare opportunity to engage with the people pushing cinema forward.”

This year’s prestigious In Conversation series features intimate discussions with filmmakers Spike Lee (Do the Right Thing) and Michael Angelo Covino (The Climb, Splitsville)as well as actor Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread, Corsage). 

May 15 is California Day at The American Pavilion, presented by Visit California, California Film Commission, California Wine Commission, Love Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey Tourism Board, Santa Monica Travel and Tourism, and Visit West Hollywood.   Conversations will center around Filming In California- The Opportunities and the Misconception, and Filming Across Decades- Insights from Seasoned Storytellers.  

Presented by United for Business, Indiewire hosts a series of Future of Filmmaking panels which include conversations about international production, film finance, distribution, documentaries, short films, AI, and other topics.  The series features a keynote chat with the contemplative and insightful filmmaker, Richard Linklater (Before Sunrise, Boyhood, Dazed and Confused)

On May 18 and 19, the American Pavilion presents House Party, a two-day summit featuring bold voices and global perspectives in film. Highlights include panels from the Arab Film & Media Institute, The Impact Lounge, and a conversation hosted by Easterseals on reimagining disability inclusion in entertainment, featuring actor and filmmaker Nic Novicki. Additional sessions—Global Storytelling and Why These Stories Matter: Representation in Hollywood—will explore the power and urgency of authentic, diverse narratives. Gold House will also host a Fireside Chat with Lucky Lu director Lloyd Lee Choi and producer Nina Yang Bongiovi, fresh from the 2025 Cannes Director’s Fortnight.

Programming includes executives and moderators from 42 West, Alta Global Media, Anton, Angel Studios, Ashland Hill Media Finance, Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau, Breaking Through the Lens, California Film Commission, Cannes XR, La Cinef, Closer Media, DDA, Deadline Hollywood, Double Eye Studios, Double Hope Films, EG PR, Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, Easterseals Southern California, Euroimage Fund,  Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, Fable Studios, Fabula, Filmmaker Magazine, GLAAD, Gold House, Gravillis, Hangtime Pictures, Harpoon Media, Harris Tulchin & Associates,  The Hollywood Reporter, IMDB Pro, Indiana University Cinema / Board of Directors, Art House Convergence, IFC Entertainment Group, Indiewire, Indiana University Cinema / Board of Directors, Art House Convergence, Indiewire, The Impact Lounge, ISF,  Kino Lorber Media Group LLC, Kyiv International Film Festival, Loyola Marymount University, Kyiv International Film Festival, MPRM Communications, Mandalay Pictures, Marina Del Rey Tourism Board, Meals About Motherhood, Mountain Daughter Media, MUBI, NEON, Noah Media Group, NVIDIA/Prezense, Obscured Pictures, Omelete, Oxbelly, Pinky Promise, The Popcorn List, Protagonist Pictures, Radiant Media Studios, Radical Media, Republic, Roadside Attractions, RogerEbert.com, SAGindie, The Space Program, Splitsville, Submarine Entertainment, Sundance Film Festival, Tango Entertainment, Telescope Film, Topic Studios, Tucker Tooley Entertainment, Two Hands Productions, Ukrainian Film Academy, UnitedContentHUB, Variety, Venice Immersive, West Hollywood Travel + Tourism Board, among other notable speakers.

The Member Cocktail Party, presented by Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is on May 14th.  The 20th Anniversary of Queer Night, always the best, biggest, and only LGBTQ+ dance party tied to the Festival, will take place on Tuesday, May 21 beginning at 9:00 PM.  Entry is gratis to ALL Festival and Marche’ badge holders.   

AmPav’s Emerging Filmmaker Showcase Presented by Gold House features 25 official selection films in three showcases – Student Short Films & Documentaries, Emerging Filmmaker Short Films & Documentaries, and Emerging Filmmaker LGBTQ+ films.

The American Pavilion’s Worldwide Student Program continues its successful student program, which attracts university students worldwide to experience the festival.  Past Student Program alumni include director Jeff Nichols, acquisitions executive Scott Shooman, CAA agent Maha Dakhil, Killer Films production executive David Hinojosa, MGM Television’s VP of Business and Legal Affairs Kathryn Floro, Syfy development director Eli Kirschner, Barack Obama’s White House videographer Hope Hall, and producers Cameron Porsandeh, Alex Shepsman, and Bryan Wynbrandt, among many others.

The American Pavilion would also like to thank our sponsors for Cannes 2025: 1497; Anne Caron, the specialty coffee; Arab Film and Media Institute (AFMI); The Asylum; Choose New Jersey; Cielo wines; Deadline; Easterseals; Gold House; The Hollywood Reporter; The Impact Lounge; IndieWire; Koda; la Sasse water; Maia wines; SAGindie; Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD); See's Candies; Torchlight Studios; Visit California; Wallism; Weihenstephan.

The following is the full programming schedule to date.  The schedule is subject to changes and additions.    

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14

11:00 AM

INDUSTRY IN FOCUS: PR PROS 

As the media landscape shifts, so does the art of film publicity. Seasoned publicists pull back the curtain on how they craft narratives, build buzz, and navigate press strategy, offering candid insight into a side of filmmaking that’s as crucial as it is often misunderstood.

• Emma Griffiths / President / EG PR
• RJ Millard / President / Obscured Pictures
• Hilda Somarriba / Vice President / 42West
• Moderated by Sylvia Desrochers / EVP / MPRM Communications

1:00PM

INDUSTRY IN FOCUS: MARKETING MAGICIANS

In a shifting film landscape, smart marketing is essential. Industry experts share key strategies—from festival positioning and theatrical rollouts to digital campaigns and grassroots outreach—that can shape a film’s success from start to finish.

• Karina Gechtman / VP International Marketing & Publicity / Anton
• Kenny Gravillis / Chief Creative Director / Gravillis Inc 
• Julie La’Bassiere / Chief Strategy Officer / DDA
• Mounia Wissinger / SVP Global Marketing & Publicity / Protagonist Pictures 
• Moderated by Stewart Clarke / SVP, Content, International / Deadline

6:00 PM–8:00 PM – Member Cocktail Party

Open to all American Pavilion members 

Presented by Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

THURSDAY, MAY 15

CALIFORNIA DAY AT THE AMERICAN PAVILION

Presented by Visit California, California Film Commission, California Wine Commission, Love Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey Tourism Board, Santa Monica Travel and Tourism, and Visit West Hollywood

11:45 AM

INDIEWIRE: FUTURE OF FILMMAKING

The Future of International Distribution: MUBI in Focus

Presented by United for Business

Coming off a successful year that began with the launch of “The Substance” at the Cannes Film Festival, MUBI is riding high as the most promising international streaming entity with a global cinephile reach. The company recently hired veteran distribution executive Arianna Bocco, who ran acquisitions at IFC Films for nearly 20 years, as its SVP of Global Distribution. Bocco will share her insights on the increasing value of international territories in distribution strategy and how the landscape has changed. 

• Arianna Bocco / SVP of Global Distribution / MUBI
• Moderated by Anne Thompson / Indiewire

12:30 PM

FILMING IN CALIFORNIA - THE OPPORTUNITIES AND THE MISCONCEPTIONS

Presented by Visit California

This conversation will unpack persistent myths about filming in California, while spotlighting success stories and underutilized opportunities throughout the state. Panelists will offer insights into California’s robust incentives, infrastructure, and creative ecosystem—underscoring why it remains a premier destination for film and television production.

• Colleen Bell / Executive Director / California Film Commission
• Jeff Morris, Chief Marketing Officer, West Hollywood Travel + Tourism Board
• Janet Zaldua, CEO, Marina Del Rey Tourism Board
• Robert Bibeault, Chief Marketing Officer, Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau
• Michal Zebede / Writer, Producer, Director
• Moderated by Dana Harris / Editor-In-Chief / Indiewire

2:00 PM

FILMMAKING ACROSS DECADES - INSIGHTS FROM SEASONED STORYTELLERS

Presented by Visit California

A conversation with experienced producers and filmmakers reflecting on their careers, lessons learned, and the evolving landscape of film production. Panelists will also share their perspectives on shooting in California and the value of sustaining a vibrant production community in the state.

• Jon Kilik / Independent Feature Film Producer
• Jonathan King / President / Closer Media
• Ray Maiello / Co-Founder / Radiant Media Studios
• Moderated by Aaron Couch / The Hollywood Reporter

6:00 PM–8:00 PM – California Day Reception

Open to all American Pavilion members 

FRIDAY, MAY 16

11:00 AM

INDIEWIRE: FUTURE OF FILMMAKING

The Future of International Production

Presented by United for Business

As production faces increasing budgetary challenges in the U.S., more and more projects are migrating abroad. We will hear from veteran producers and financiers about how to navigate the opportunities and challenges of international co-productions. 

• Emily Korteweg / Producer / Splitsville
• Andrew Hevia / Head of North American Production / Fabula
• Jason Michael Berman / President / Mandalay Pictures
• Caroline von Kuhn / Executive Director / Oxbelly
• Moderated by Dana Harris / Indiewire

12:30 PM

INDUSTRY IN FOCUS: INDEPENDENT FILM FINANCE

From tried-and-true methods to emerging models, industry leaders share what's working now, the challenges they’re navigating, and new approaches shaping the future of film financing.

• Jonathan Bross / Managing Partner / Ashland Hill Media Finance
• Lia Buman / Principal, Co-Founder / Tango
• Grégoire Gensollen / COO / Tucker Tooley Entertainment 
• Marc Iserlis / Head of Film / Republic
• James Pugh / Chief Operations Officer / Protagonist Pictures
• Moderated by Harris Tulchin / Producer, Attorney, Author / Harris Tulchin & Associates

2:00 PM

INDUSTRY IN FOCUS: U.S. DISTRIBUTION

Explore the evolving distribution landscape for independent films in the U.S.—from traditional theatrical releases to digital platforms, hybrid models, and new kinds of partnerships. Industry experts share what’s working, how they’ve adapted, and how they’re preparing for an unpredictable future.

• Howard Cohen / Co-President / Roadside Attractions
• Dr. Alicia Kozma / Director, Indiana University Cinema / Board of Directors, Art House Convergence
• Lisa Schwartz / Chief Distribution and Revenue Officer / Kino Lorber
• Scott Shooman / Head of IFC Entertainment Group
• Moderator TBA

4:00 PM

WARTIME UKRAINIAN CINEMA, PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES

Presented in Partnership With the Ukrainian Pavilion 

This event will feature presentations, video materials, and discussions with Ukrainian and international film experts. Topics will include wartime co-productions, distribution analytics, institutional support, and the challenges of filming under fire. Speakers will share real-life experiences, present new projects, and explore opportunities for collaboration to support and promote Ukrainian cinema during the ongoing war.

• Enrico Vanucci / Deputy Head / Euroimage Fund
• Andriy Nohin / Head of NGO "UKRKINOFEST" / CEO UnitedContentHUB
• Michel Plazanet / Deputy director of European and international affairs / CNC
• Pylyp Illienko / Chairman / Ukrainian Film Academy
• Akhtem Seitablaiev / Director, Producer, Actor, and Serviceman (AFU)
• Moderated by Andriy Khalpakhchi / President / Kyiv International Film Festival "Molodist"

4:00 PM

SNEAK PEEK OF:HANGING BY A WIRE — HOSTED BY EVERWONDER STUDIO & MINDHOUSE, AMERICAN PAVILION TERRACE

Exclusive preview of “Hanging By A Wire,” from acclaimed director Mohammed Ali Naqvi.This cinematic thrill ride tells the story of a daring rescue that captivated the world. Mo will share the behind-the-scenes process of transforming a real-life survival story into an edge-of-your-seat experience. RSVP to amanda.spain@everwonder.studio

SATURDAY, MAY 17

11:00 AM

INDUSTRY IN FOCUS: BUILD YOUR AUDIENCE, OWN YOUR FUTURE 

As the independent film landscape evolves, more filmmakers are finding that taking charge of their audience engagement, and often their own distribution, is key to long-term success. This conversation explores real-world strategies for connecting with viewers and building a sustainable career in today’s industry.

• Ted Hope / Producer / Double Hope Films
• Lela Meadow-Conner / CEO mamafilm / Co-Founder, The Popcorn List / President, Art House Convergence
• Richa Rudola / Filmmaker, Cow Heavy And Floral / Co-Founder, Meals About Motherhood
• Moderated by Sylvia Desrochers / EVP / MPRM Communications

12:30 PM

INDUSTRY IN FOCUS: DOCUMENTARIES

This annual conversation brings together acclaimed filmmakers and industry leaders to examine the current state of documentary storytelling—how these vital films are being developed, financed, and distributed, and how audiences are engaging with them in an increasingly uncertain landscape.

• Vanessa Hope / Director, Producer / Double Hope Films
• Jon Kamen / Chairman, CEO / RadicalMedia
• Catherine Quantsschnigg / Producer, Sales / Noah Media Group
• Joe Tufano / VP of Distribution / Submarine Entertainment
• Moderated by Matt Carey / Documentary Editor / Deadline, Doc Talk Podcast

1:30 PM

INDUSTRY IN FOCUS: DEVELOPMENT TO PRODUCTION

From first pitch to festival premiere, the path from development to production is anything but linear. In this candid conversation, seasoned producers and executives share how they build a slate, choose the right projects, and navigate the creative and strategic challenges of getting films made—and made well.

• Steven Adams / Manager, Producer / Alta Global Media
• Kara Durrett / President & Head of Film / Pinky Promise 
• Ryan Heller / EVP Film & Documentary / Topic Studios 
• Lizzie Shapiro / Producer at The Space Program 
• Moderated by Mia Galuppo / The Hollywood Reporter

2:30 PM

INDIEWIRE: FUTURE OF FILMMAKING

Keynote Chat: Richard Linklater

Presented by United for Business

• Moderated by Eric Kohn / Indiewire

3:30 PM

HOUSE PARTY: GOLD HOUSE

Fireside Chat: Lucky Lu's Lloyd Lee Choi & Nina Yang Bongiovi

A fireside chat about independent film, first-time feature directing, and producing projects with unique perspectives with Cannes 2025 Directors’ Fortnight film Lucky Lu's Lloyd Lee Choi and producer Nina Yang Bongiovi

Introduction by Christine Yi / VP / Gold House

SUNDAY, MAY 18

11:00 AM

INDIEWIRE: FUTURE OF FILMMAKING

How to Survive and Thrive in the Age of AI

Presented by United for Business

The acceleration of artificial intelligence in recent years has led to rampant fears across the entertainment industry, some more founded than others. However, AI isn’t going away – and its progress relates to broader changes to the future of storytelling as a whole. On this panel, we’ll hear from creatives and executives about how to make the most of a new era defined by dramatic technological change.

• Edward Saatchi / Founder and CEO / Fable Studios
• Kiira Benzing / Founder / Double Eye Studios
• Seth Piezas / NVIDIA/Prezense
• Liz Rosenthal / Venice Immersive
• Luc Jacquet / Filmmaker/CannesXR Jury President
• Moderated by Eric Kohn / Indiewire

12:30 PM

HOUSE PARTY: ARAB FILM & MEDIA INSTITUTE

AFMI Presents Women Leading Change Through Storytelling

Celebrate the contributions of trailblazing women filmmakers who boldly champion global voices through their dynamic work.  Our panelists will share the barriers they have overcome, how they challenged industry norms, and what it takes to open doors for future generations of storytellers.

• Cherien Dabis / Director, Actress, and Screenwriter
• Nia DaCosta / Director and Screenwriter
• Iman Zawahry / Director / Film Programs Director at ISF
• Moderated by Hanna Flint / Film critic, Writer, and Author

2:00 PM

HOUSE PARTY: THE IMPACT LOUNGE

Reaching the Right Eyes: Finding and Growing Audiences for Impact Films

How do you connect a meaningful film to the right audience? This panel explores innovative strategies—social media campaigns, membership guilds, direct-to-theater tech, and global platforms—that are reshaping impact film distribution. Learn from industry leaders how to build buzz and reach the people who want to see your film most.

• Jared Geesey / Chief Distribution Officer / Angel Studios 
• Justine Barda / Founder and Director / Telescope Film
• Selina Ringel / Filmmaker and Actor / Two Hands Productions
• Owen Williams / Producer and Founder /  Harpoon Media
• Moderated by Heather Mason / Founder / The Impact Lounge

3:00 PM

IN CONVERSATION: MICHAEL ANGELO COVINO

Acclaimed filmmaker Michael Angelo Covino joins us for an intimate conversation about his journey from indie shorts to Cannes success with 2019’s “The Climb” and this year’s “Splitsville.” From directing and acting to producing, we’ll discuss his collaborative creative process and the bold, emotionally honest storytelling that defines his work. 

• Moderated by Eric Kohn / Indiewire 

4:00 PM

HOUSE PARTY: EASTERSEALS

Reimagining Hollywood: A New Lens on Disability

A deep dive into the state of disability inclusion in entertainment—progress, wins, and the path ahead—focused on advancing authentic representation on and off screen. A collaborative effort between industry and community driving inclusive change.

• Nic Novicki / Actor, writer, producer / Founder of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge
• Nancy Weintraub / Chief Advancement Officer / Easterseals Southern California 
• Moderated by Keith Simanton / Managing Editor / IMDbPro

MONDAY, MAY 19

11:00 AM

HOUSE PARTY: GLOBAL STORYTELLING

Stories grounded in cultural and geographic specificity often have the widest reach. This conversation explores how filmmakers create work that resonates globally by embracing their roots, along with the creative potential and challenges of telling culturally nuanced stories across borders.

• Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù / Actor / My Father’s Shadow, Cannes Film Festival, Official Selection
• Richard Lorber / Chairman / Kino Lorber
• Fawzia Mirza / Writer, Director / The Queen of My Dreams
• Frida Torresblanco / Producer / Hangtime Pictures
• Moderated by Nancy Tartaglione / Deadline

12:30 PM

HOUSE PARTY: WHY THESE STORIES MATTER - REPRESENTATION IN HOLLYWOOD

Authentic, inclusive storytelling remains essential. This conversation looks at why representation in Hollywood still..