S Viswanath

The MARCHÉ DU FILM may be the business of all things hub of FESTIVAL DE CANNES Where the global film community gathers. Billed as world’s largest international gathering of film professionals.

A film market forum with its unparalleled networking opportunities through 250 professional events, 1,500 screenings and 4,000 projects – the essential platform to boost one’s business, strike deals and forge new partnerships, under one ubiquitous umbrella, bringing over 15,000 participants from as many as 140 countries annually. All driven by the innate believe that “collaboration, diversity and innovation enable strong, resilient and creative industry.”

However, beyond the business of things where cinema, business opportunities and innovation meet, what makes MARCHE DU FILM ideal epicentre to up, close and personal, be seen and been there moment as the 12 day celebration of cinemas takes place is MDF’s “commitment to fostering rich, efficient, human-centred and forward-thinking ecosystem.” An engaging and ennobling enterprising ecosystem that “attracts the world, fuels innovation and maximises opportunities and business for all.”

MDF’s “over 20 tailored industry programmes,” as one connects, does business, and explores the latest innovations and trends shaping our industry is what makes MDF more than business and market of things.

Be it MDF’s impact programmes which facilitates “vital discussions on diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, equipping participants with “knowledge and resources towards creating a more responsible and forward-thinking industry” or MARCHE DU FILM’s high profile thought provoking 80 conferences is what makes it the key differentiator.

For, as MDF puts it, “ultimately, innovation thrives through open dialogue. That’s why each year, we bring together visionary leaders, creative pioneers and industry gamechangers for over 80 keynotes, panels and conferences – not just to explore what’s next, but to challenge perspectives, ignite ideas and drive meaningful change in our ever-evolving industry” as who’s who of entertainment business make time to connect and celebrate.

The brilliant minds and creative leaders delivering their captivating series of thought-provoking talks, engaging keynotes, and informative panels providing participants gain fresh and dynamic perspective on the ever-evolving film landscape, besides market masterclasses and summits at Cannes.

Through dynamic panels and masterclasses, participants are invited to explore some of the latest key challenges, such as: how can one better support underrepresented filmmakers and communities? How does one ensure diverse voices are authentically represented in storytelling? What actionable strategies need to be adopted to foster equity throughout the production process? Through industry leaders, changemakers, and emerging voices, the conferences, talks, masterclasses and workshops serve as catalyst for long-term transformation and positive change in the film industry.

This time around, the FILM MARKET CONFERENCES, with over 80 inspiring talks with industry experts and innovators at the top of their game, which helps participants stay on top of the latest trends and discover new ideas and areas of interest has SEVERAL INTERESTING THEMATIC SESSIONS WITH THEIR SPECIFIC FOCUS ON WOMEN.

Kick starting some of women specific thematic conferences, talks and panel discussions that have been specifically curated and lined up include on May 14, being The Representation of Women’s Stories in Asian Film with viewpoints from range of speakers and subject experts. This is followed by another session on Building Collective Power: How Women Shape Influence in Film. Bringing together women across the film industry, this specially structured panel explores how each is building their own pathway to influence, from education and community to storytelling and industry leadership, offering real insight into shaping your own path in film.

The all women elite panel comprises of Faith Elizabeth, CEO & Founder of Yes She Comes & Director/Producer of Faithful Films, Sara Hamilton, E2ACxGreenlit’s Head of Global Partnerships & Impact Strategy, Disauthority Co-Founder & Vice President Maria Hundsnes-Shevtsova, India’s very own Guneet Monga Kapoor – Sikhya Entertainment CEO & Producer & Women In Films India Founder, Maria Soccor Productions Founder, Actor & Filmmaker Maria Soccor, and Stage 3 Managing Director Amanda Toney.

Then you have the panel discussion on Women At The Helm: Leadership & Decision-Making in the Region presented by Arab Cinema Centre outlining how women in that part of the world are making strides in the highly competitive industry. Women across the region are increasingly shaping the direction of the audiovisual industry—from financing and commissioning to production, distribution, and platform strategy. The panel brings together influential leaders to explore how decision-making is evolving, what new perspectives are being introduced, and how inclusive leadership is contributing to a more dynamic and globally connected industry.

Another interesting and perspective panel session is Women in Genre: Shaping Careers, Opening Doors & Building Power which is presented and moderated by Fantastic Pavilion and Yes She Cannes. The panel discussion brings together directors, festival leaders, and distribution voices, while exploring the journeys of women in genre as they shape their careers, create opportunities for others, and build collective power within the industry in this curated presentation of selected projects from across the Yes She Cannes network.

Moderated by Faith Elizabeth, CEO & Founder of Yes She Comes & Director/Producer of Faithful Films, the panel’s other discussants include Heidi Honeycutt Festival Director – Etheria Film Festival, Programmer at BloodStream & Acquisitions for Studio Dome and its sub-labels. They are joined by Filmmaker & Actress Lee Lawson, Writer, Producer & Director Joanne Mitchell, Natasha Halevi American Filmmaker & Actress and Wench Film Festival Filmmaker & Founder Sapna Moti Bhavnani.

One other all women panel discussion is on Reimagining Global Pathways and Financing for South Asian Stories which is presented by Tasveer. The elite panel explores how global pathways for South Asian stories are being reimagined through new models of international collaboration, financing, and emerging AI technology.

Through the growing global ecosystem around South Asian cinema, the conversation will examine how cross-border partnerships, market access, and AI-enabled tools can help unlock opportunity from development to distribution. The panel will highlight practical strategies, industry insights, and future-facing approaches that can strengthen the visibility, sustainability, and global reach of South Asian storytelling.

Among speakers and moderators who will throw light on the subject include South Stack Studios’ Co-Founder & Executive Director Anjana Gopakumar, Tasveer Co-Founder & Executive Director Rita Meher, India’s National Film Development Corporation Head of Programming Vineeta Mishra, Guneet Monga Kapoor – Sikhya Entertainment CEO & Producer & Women In Films India Founder, and Google User Research Scientist Arathi Sethumadhavan