Lumière’s Classic Film Market Discusses Universal’s Latest Restorations, ‘The Name of the Rose,’ Use of AI, and Targeting Young Cinephiles

As a seasoned cinephile with over three decades of film-watching under my belt, I can confidently say that the Lumière Film Festival’s International Classic Film Market (MIFC) is an event not to be missed for any serious movie enthusiast like myself. The 12th edition of this remarkable gathering promises a rich tapestry of discussions, screenings, and insights into the world of classic cinema.


The 12th edition of the International Classic Film Market (MIFC) at the Lumière Film Festival presents a comprehensive schedule, featuring the newest restorations from NBCUniversal and prominent French distributors, while addressing critical challenges facing the classic cinema industry.

From October 15th to 18th, the MIFC is taking place this year, delving into potential avenues for the DVD and Blu-ray market, cinemas, and movie theaters; the expanding influence of artificial intelligence (AI); the enduring legacy of Jean-Jacques Annaud’s 1986 film “The Name of the Rose”; and the cultural heritage of Lithuania, our honored country for this year.

While conversing with EbMaster, Gerald Duchaussoy – the head of programming and coordination at MIFC – emphasized the significance of scrutinizing the U.S. market to pinpoint trends within the sector, whether it be among streaming services or traditional movie theaters.

Duchaussoy is set to lead a conversation with Cassandra Moore, who holds the position of Vice President for Mastering and Archive at NBCUniversal.

We were eager to extend a warm welcome to Cassandra, who is deeply enthusiastic about her work and dedicated to the conservation of the numerous treasures housed at Universal.

One of the movies to be highlighted will be Steven Spielberg’s “The Sugarland Express,” which made a comeback at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, celebrating its 50th anniversary through a 4K restoration. This film features Goldie Hawn and William Atherton in leading roles. It won the best screenplay award at Cannes in 1974, but unfortunately, Spielberg couldn’t attend as he was busy filming “Jaws,” as Duchaussoy pointed out.

Additionally, attendees can expect delegates hailing from Park Circus, the entity that recently unveiled a pristine 4K remastering of Charles Vidor’s “Gilda,” featuring Rita Hayworth. This very film was exhibited in Cannes this year as well.

Furthermore, the MIFC will showcase the newest offerings from French distributors in two distinct displays.

At the Forefront Presentation of the Catalogue Keepers, attendees can expect titles from Gaumont, Cinématographique Lyre, Studiocanal, TF1 Studio, Les Films du Jeudi, Pathé Films, and Minerva Pictures to be showcased. On the other hand, the Elite Screening for Exhibitors by the Distributors will feature the most recent restorations from ADRC, Carlotta Films, Les Acacias, Malavida, Solaris Distribution, and Tamasa Distribution.

The recently restored 4K version of the movie “The Name of the Rose,” featuring Sean Connery, will be used as a study example by catalogers and distributors. This film, which was the closing piece at last year’s Lumière Festival, garnered approximately 42,000 ticket sales when it was re-released in France.

Duchaussoy stated it’s quite remarkable to observe such a keen eagerness among people to catch the movie,” (or) “Duchaussoy commented on the fact that it’s impressive to notice so many people eager to watch the film.

In a collaborative discussion, Jean-Fabrice Janaudy from Les Acacias, Hugues Peysson of L’atelier d’images, and Pierre Olivier, video director at TF1 Studio, gather to explore their plans and partnership regarding the re-launch of “The Name of the Rose” film.

The upcoming round table discussion will focus on exploring possibilities for heritage programming within the exhibition sector. This conversation will delve into strategies and methods to amplify visibility, with key participants including Christian Bräuer, president of the International Confederation of Art Cinemas (CICAE); Laure Houlgatte, CEO of the International Union of Cinemas (UNIC); Guillaume Bachy, president of the French association of arthouse cinemas (AFCAE); Nadège Lauzzana, head of the Agency for the Regional Development of Cinema (ADRC); and Richard Patry, head of the National Federation of French Cinemas (FNCF).

Also in focus is the growing use of AI in restoring films and TV productions. Representatives of France’s National Audiovisual Institute (INA) will be on hand to discuss tools developed by the INA to promote its audiovisual heritage. A second round table will explore the legal and regulatory framework surrounding the use of AI in the sector, both in France and internationally.  

Duchaussoy mentioned that it’s the collective knowledge of all the experts we regularly interact with,” he said. He further stated that more and more labs are incorporating AI to speed up and simplify restoration tasks, while also reducing costs.

Discussions will center around the expanding application of this technology and the associated legal issues, with a special emphasis on its management within Europe. This includes understanding how it’s addressed in licensing contracts and among those who own the rights. It’s important to note that these practices can vary significantly from one country to another.

In line with its emphasis on Lithuania, the MIFC plans to showcase two films: “Andrius,” a 1980 fantasy children’s movie by Algirdas Araminas, and “Jausmai” (“Feelings”), a 1968 World War II drama directed by Algirdas Dausa and Almantas Grikevičius.

The market isn’t limiting itself to the professional sector alone, but is also expanding to cater to the broader audience, including the younger generations who are enthusiastic about cinema.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I can’t contain my excitement! The much-anticipated Miami International Film Festival (MIFC) officially starts on October 15th, but before that, there’s a treat in store for us on October 13th – the annual DVD and Blu-ray Publishers’ Fair at the Lumière Film Festival! This event, open to one and all, has been a hit among festival-goers, with an increasing number of companies participating each year. It’s like a movie buff’s dream come true!

At the fair, there’ll be a talk featuring Manuel Chiche, head of The Jokers Films, and Vincent Paul-Boncour, co-founder and director of Carlotta Films – two prominent video producers who’ll be showcasing their newest productions during the conference.

This year, organizers are extending invitations to a youthful film enthusiast demographic as well, by providing unique student passes. This is another strategy they’re using to foster connections within the community.

Just as our industry peers, we share the sentiment that it’s beneficial for these budding students to be updated on the classic film market,” Duchaussoy pointed out. “It seems many students are eager to visit the market, and we’re more than happy to extend our welcome.

The students also “rejuvenate the market,” he added.

Due to its remarkable success, the MIFC is now extending its reach to welcome students not only from within but also outside the country, specifically those from Europe, such as students from Romania and Greece.

In summary, the membership of MIFC has significantly increased over the years, with the count of accredited individuals growing from 490 in 2023 to 575 this year. Additionally, the number of exhibitors at the event has nearly doubled, going from 40 in the past to 80 this current season.

Duchaussoy stated, ‘We put in considerable effort to attract exhibitors to the market.’ There was great enthusiasm for this task due to France’s vibrant exhibition network that can be found almost anywhere. This has consistently been a key focus of our work.

A total of 70 companies listed as buyers will also be attending the market.

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2024-10-13 09:47