About the 2026 Cannes Film Festival Marché du Film

The countdown is on—the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival is just around the corner, running May 12–20, 2025, in the breathtaking city of Cannes, France. For over a decade, Stage 32 has proudly partnered with the Marché du Film as an official education partner, and this year, we’re taking things to new heights!

Whether you’re a seasoned Cannes regular or planning your first adventure to the Croisette, 2026 promises to be one of the most exciting years yet—and Stage 32 is right in the heart of it all.

With in-person events making a grand return this year, excitement is brewing for the 2026 Marché du Film.

What’s New at Cannes 2026?

The Marché du Film, the business hub of the Festival de Cannes, is the world’s largest international gathering of film professionals, bringing together more than 15,000 participants from 140 countries each year.

Everyone from the industry is represented here, including buyers, sales agents, producers, distributors, festival representatives and film institutions. With a diverse film market featuring 600 exhibitors spread across Cannes, 1,500 screenings, 250 industry events, and over 20 tailored industry programs, the Marché du Film is the ideal place to connect, do business, and explore the latest innovations and trends shaping our industry.

BUY, SELL & WATCH FILMS

The Marché du Film is the largest global hub for film sales and acquisitions—and it’s the place where deals get made. From exclusive screenings and work-in-progress previews to immersive networking lounges and country pavilions, this is where independent projects find international buyers and distribution pipelines take shape.

CONFERENCES & EVENTS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

The 2026 conference lineup is packed with over 100 inspiring talks with industry experts and innovators at the top of their game!

Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends through their carefully curated conference program! Discover transformative ideas and practices shaping a more inclusive and sustainable film industry with their impACT program. Dive headfirst into the future by exploring the latest innovations and cutting-edge strategies with Cannes Next technology platform, and join for more exciting discussions on a wide range of key topics, from film financing and equal pay to virtual production and groundbreaking AI!

Check out the full conference schedule here.

STAGE 32 IS TAKING CENTER STAGE

Stage 32 will once again be everywhere at Cannes, and you’re invited to join us! Here’s a taste of what we’re bringing to the Riviera:

• Our legendary Stage 32 Networking Party at our Stage 32 Pop-Up Bar: Gary & RB's Brown Sugar—a not-to-miss highlight of the week
• The Stage 32 + World of Film International Festival Villa Party—hosted at a stunning villa in the hills above Cannes
• Panels, screenings, and speaking appearances from Stage 32 educators and community members

And of course, I will be on-site hosting events, joining panels, and sharing live insights across all platforms. If you’ve ever wanted to experience Cannes like an insider—this is the year to do it.

You can see the entire lineup here!

STAY PLUGGED IN WITH STAGE 32

We’ll be sharing live updates, interviews, and behind-the-scenes access all week long:

• Follow @rbwalksintoabar and @stage32 on Instagram
• Catch updates from @rbwalksintoabar and @stage32 on X
• Bookmark our Stage 32 Cannes Events Blog for the latest schedules, party RSVPs, and more

Want to RSVP for our panels and networking events now? Head over to our meetup page HERE.

HOW TO GET YOUR BADGE

If you’re planning to attend Cannes this year, now’s the time to get your official badge. There are several badge options depending on your professional category, and they go FAST.

Make sure that you get your badge here.

See You on the Croisette

Stage 32 is proud to be your home for industry education, global networking, and real-world opportunity—and there’s no place that embodies that spirit more than Cannes.

Let us know in the comments if you’re attending this year. Who’s headed to Cannes 2026? Let’s connect—and let’s make it a festival to remember.

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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