Sebastián Lelio, Lukas Dhont, Eliza Hittman, Kornél Mundruczó and Jasmila Žbanić to Pitch Projects at Cannes’ Investors Circle

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10 film directors hailing from eight diverse nations will present their upcoming film projects at the development stage to an exclusive circle of high-profile private investors in Cannes, during the Marche du Film’s Investors Circle program.

The roster of filmmakers encompasses Giacomo Abbruzzese, an Italian director, Lukas Dhont from Belgium, Eliza Hittman hailing from America, Jessica Hausner and Marie Kreutzer who are Austrian, Kornél Mundruczó representing Hungary, Jasmila Žbanić from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Hlynur Pálmason originating from Iceland. Notably, the latter’s latest film “The Love That Remains” will be screened in Cannes Première at the 78th Festival de Cannes. Furthermore, South America is present with Marcela Said, a French-Chilean director, and Sebastián Lelio, a Chilean director, who makes his return to Cannes with “La Ola,” also chosen for screening in Cannes Première.

The Investors Circle is currently on its third installment and its organizers assert that it has become a “strong motivator for private investment in independent films by directors.” Several projects showcased have successfully attracted substantial funding, with “Renoir” by Chie Hayakawa being one of the most notable examples. Last year at The Investors Circle, this project was presented, and this year it will be screened in competition at the festival.

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Now on its third round, the Investors Circle is said to be a “strong driving force behind private investment in auteur cinema.” Many projects displayed have secured substantial funding, with one notable example being “Renoir” by Chie Hayakawa, which was presented at last year’s Investors Circle and will be screened in competition at this year’s festival.

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In its third phase, the Investors Circle has demonstrated itself to be a “powerful instigator for private investment in independent filmmaking by directors.” Several projects exhibited have obtained significant financial backing, with “Renoir” by Chie Hayakawa being one of the most prominent examples. This project was initially presented at last year’s Investors Circle and will be screened in competition at this year’s festival.

Guillaume Esmiol, executive director of the Marché du Film, stated, “The Marché du Film maintains its position as a global catalyst for progressive film financing models as they evolve. In our third year, the Investors Circle is rapidly establishing itself as a go-to resource for those seeking equity investment in independent films. We take great pride in offering a space where independent cinema and financial strategy intersect.

The ten selected projects carry budgets ranging from €3 million to over €9 million.

Aleksandra Zakharchenko, head of the Investors Circle, stated that this year’s projects showcase daring, innovative storytelling by some of today’s top filmmakers. These are films with significant cultural impact and global prospects, but they require careful, sustained backing. Our goal with the Investors Circle is to promote these unique voices and guide them from concept to screen.

The Investors Circle will take place on May 18 at the Plage des Palmes.

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2025-04-25 11:16