SCOTLAND’S “world-class” screen industry is set to be showcased at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival this week.
Regarded as one of the biggest events in the international film calendar, the Cannes Film Festival sees hundreds of the top actors, producers, directors, filmmakers, and studios from across the globe gather at the French seaside city each year.
Along with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, walking the red carpet this week will be a host of Scottish filmmakers eager to show some of the best up-and-coming projects from the country.
Screen Scotland, a government body that aims to promote and support all aspects of Scotland's film and TV industry, will be in attendance at the 79th annual instalment of the event.
READ MORE: Ticket draw opens for Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony – how to enter
Several Scottish filmmakers, including Danny Page, head of pictures at Blazing Griffin and founder of Homefront Productions, have joined the organisation to help promote the country’s industry and make key connections.
“For Scottish filmmakers, Cannes is where local stories meet the global marketplace,” Page said.
“It’s a rare moment where you can be in the room with financiers, distributors, and collaborators from all over the world, all focused on film.
“That access is invaluable, and it plays a real role in getting Scottish projects financed, made, and seen internationally.”
Page is one of 15 filmmakers from across the country’s independent production sector to attend the festival with Screen Scotland, as they hope to secure introductions, pitch projects and build relationships that can ultimately lead to co‑production, sales and distribution of their work.
Edinburgh-based Mark Cousins is one of only a few British filmmakers to make it into the Official Selection, with his epic documentary The Story of Documentary Film.
Scotland has also once again been selected to showcase works-in-progress documentaries in the Cannes Docs strand: Black Church Bay from producer Alex Polunin, along with Salvation from Scotland-based filmmaker Tom Nicoll.
A spokesperson for Screen Scotland said the organisation attends the Cannes Film Festival to ensure the country is “visible and competitive” within the global screen industry.
“Cannes is where international producers, studios, streamers, financiers and distributors make decisions about future projects, and Screen Scotland’s presence allows Scotland to be part of those conversations,” they explained.
“To achieve this, Screen Scotland promotes Scotland’s world‑class production infrastructure, locations, studios, skilled crew and screen incentives directly to global decision‑makers.”
READ MORE: John Swinney to consider legislation to ban pitch invasions in Scotland
Screen Scotland’s team attends meetings, panels and industry events at the festival where they speak with studios, producers and financiers who are “actively seeking” new places to base productions in a bid to woo them and consider Scotland for their projects.
The spokesperson added that by combining their team with Scottish filmmakers and the festival, they aim to “strengthen” the country’s international profile, attract more investment in Scotland's creative industries and “open” doors for Scottish talent to work globally”.
A Screen Scotland spokesperson said: “Cannes remains a key platform for showcasing Scotland as a confident, outward‑looking screen nation and an internationally competitive place to make film and high‑end television.”
Share