Cannes Market Hits 40k Attendees, Japan Up 50%
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- Cannes Marché du Film announced record attendance for its May 13 opening, citing a complex geopolitical backdrop.
- Cannes Marché du Film expects 40,000 professionals overall, with 16,000 participants from 140 countries registered, a slight increase from 2025.
- United States, France, United Kingdom are the top three countries in attendance, while Europe remains the most represented region.
- Japan, the Country of Honour, recorded a nearly 50% rise in attendance, becoming the fifth most represented country.
- Benin participated for the first time from Sub‑Saharan Africa, and Ventana Sur organized activities that boosted Latin American representation.
- Guillaume Esmiol (Executive Director) described the market as a global sales hub, financing platform, and knowledge‑sharing hub.
- Cannes Marché du Film includes 1,700 buyers, 600 exhibiting companies, 1,500 screenings, 250 industry events, and 100 conference sessions, running May 13‑20.
Why it matters: The surge in attendance expands networking and deal‑making opportunities for buyers, producers, and exhibitors, especially for emerging markets like Japan, Sub‑Saharan Africa, and Latin America, reinforcing Cannes as a pivotal hub for global film financing and sales.
