If you have ever thought about going to Cannes, or any major festival or market, you probably already know it can feel equal parts exciting and overwhelming.
Yesterday, Lauren Simpson shared a Stage 32 Blog that is absolutely worth your time. It is a candid, practical, and refreshingly honest survival guide based on her first experience attending Cannes Film Festival with her own film.
This is not surface-level advice. Lauren walks you through what it actually feels like to show up, what to prioritize, what to let go of, and how to navigate the chaos in a way that sets you up for real connections and opportunities. And the best part is, the insights translate far beyond Cannes. Whether you are heading to AFM, Sundance, or your first regional festival, there is something here you can immediately apply.
You can read the full blog here: https://www.stage32.com/blog/so-youre-going-to-cannes-a-survival-guide-f...
After you read, I would love to open this up to the community:
What has been your biggest surprise when attending a festival or market, or what are you most curious or nervous about if you are planning your first one?
Jump into the blog comments as well to ask Lauren your questions directly or share your own hard-earned tips. These kinds of conversations are where preparation turns into confidence.
Ashley Renée Smith I imagine it's quite pricey for filmmakers just starting out, but also worth the investment.