MARCHÉ DU FILM’S INVESTORS CIRCLE RETURNS WITH 10 WORLD-EXCLUSIVE PROJECTS BY ACCLAIMED INTERNATIONAL FILMMAKERS

The exclusive event returns to Cannes for its third edition, giving critically acclaimed directors the chance to pitch their latest projects in development to a select group of VIP private investors.

Coming from 8 countries, the list includes: Italian director Giacomo Abbruzzese, Belgian director Lukas Dhont, American director Eliza Hittman, Austrian directors Jessica Hausner and Marie Kreutzer, as well as Kornél Mundruczó from Hungary, Jasmila Žbanić from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Hlynur Pálmason from Iceland (whose latest film “The Love That Remains” will screen in Cannes Première at the 78th Festival de Cannes). South America is also represented by French-Chilean director Marcela Said and Chilean director Sebastián Lelio (who returns to Cannes with “La Ola,” also selected to screen in Cannes Première).

The ten filmmakers will present their upcoming projects on Sunday, 18 May.

The Marché du Film is proud to announce the return of the Investors Circle – once again offering a rare opportunity for private investors in Cannes to discover and support bold, high-end feature films at the earliest stage of financing.

After just two editions, the Investors Circle has already proven to be a powerful catalyst for private investment in auteur cinema. Many featured projects have secured significant financial backing – and one standout title is highlighting the initiative’s growing influence: Renoir by Chie Hayakawa –  previously pitched at last year’s Investors Circle – has been selected to screen in Competition at the Festival de Cannes, taking place from 13 to 24 May.

This year’s curated selection will spotlight ten never-before-seen feature film projects, presented by acclaimed producers and visionary directors in a private, invitation-only event for a select group of VIP investors.

The 2025 lineup reflects the importance placed on gender parity and inclusive representation, featuring directors from a wide range of territories – with a particular spotlight on European talent, whose previous works have premiered and earned acclaim at some of the world’s most prestigious festivals, including Cannes, Berlin, Venice and Sundance.

Spanning a wide variety of cinematic styles, languages and production scales, the ten selected projects carry budgets ranging from €3 million to over €9 million – reflecting both creative ambition and international market potential.

“As new economic models continue to emerge, the Marché du Film reaffirms its role as a global accelerator for innovative film financing,” said Guillaume Esmiol, Executive Director of the Marché du Film. “For its third edition, the Investors Circle is quickly becoming a reference point for those looking to engage in equity-driven support for independent film. We are proud to provide a platform where auteur cinema and financial strategy align.”

“This year’s projects reflect bold, original storytelling from some of today’s most compelling auteur filmmakers,” adds Aleksandra Zakharchenko, Head of the Investors Circle. “These are films with real cultural relevance and global potential – and they need thoughtful, long-term support. With the Investors Circle, we aim to champion these singular voices and help them move from vision to screen.”

The Investors Circle will take place on Sunday, 18 May, at the prestigious Plage des Palmes, the official beachside venue of the Marché du Film - Festival de Cannes.

The afternoon will open with a series of captivating keynote talks led by prominent figures in international cinema, offering fresh insights into the evolving landscape of film financing and investment. Following the talks, a private, invitation-only pitching session will take center stage, giving selected investors a unique opportunity to hear presentations on the ten new global film projects – to be unveiled for the first time at the investment stage.

Invitations to the pitching session and the cocktail are limited and reserved exclusively for VIP private investors.

2025 SELECTED DIRECTORS

Giacomo Abbruzzese (Italy) – Director of Disco Boy (Silver Bear for Best Artistic Contribution, Berlin International Film Festival 2023), a France-Italy-Belgium-Poland co-production sold in over 40 territories. Le Fresnoy Graduate.

Lukas Dhont (Belgium) – Winner of the Caméra d’Or for Girl (Un Certain Regard, Festival de Cannes 2018), and the Grand Prix for Close (in Competition, Festival de Cannes 2022), his second feature also nominated at the Academy Awards for Best International Feature, in 2023.

Eliza Hittman (USA) – Director of Never Rarely Sometimes Always (Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize, Berlin International Film Festival 2020), also awarded at the Sundance Film Festival and by the National Society of Film Critics for Best Screenplay.

Jessica Hausner (Austria) – Selected twice in Competition for Little Joe (2019) and Club Zero (2023). Lourdes (2009) premiered in Competition at the Venice International Film Festival and won the FIPRESCI Prize.

Marie Kreutzer (Austria) – Known for Corsage (Un Certain Regard, Festival de Cannes 2022), which screened at over 70 festivals and received numerous awards. Her earlier film The Ground Beneath Your Feet premiered in Competition at the 2019 Berlin International Film Festival.

Sebastián Lelio (Chile) – Academy award winner for A Fantastic Woman (Best Foreign Language Film, 2018), also known for Disobedience and Gloria Bell, starring Julianne Moore. His film La Ola will screen in Cannes Première at the 78th Festival de Cannes.

Kornél Mundruczó (Hungary) – Winner of Un Certain Regard for White God (Festival de Cannes 2014). Premiered Jupiter’s Moon in Competition in 2017. His English-language debut Pieces of a Woman (2020) earned Vanessa Kirby an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

Hlynur Pálmason (Iceland) – Director of Godland (Un Certain Regard, Festival de Cannes 2022), A White, White Day (Critics’ Week, 2019), and his debut film Winter Brothers (2017).  He will present The Love That Remains as a Cannes Première at the 78th Festival de Cannes.

Marcela Said (Chile/France) – Acclaimed for Los Perros (Critics’ Week, 2017). Her work includes The Summer of Flying Fish and episodes of popular TV shows including Narcos: Mexico, Lupin, Ourika, and Sinking Spring.

Jasmila Žbanić (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – Golden Bear winner for Grbavica (Berlin International Film Festival, 2006), Academy award nominee for Quo Vadis, Aida?, and director on HBO’s acclaimed show The Last of Us. Her work has received European Film Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, and AFI honors.

EVENT DETAILS 

• Date: Sunday, 18 May 2025 
• Location: Plage des Palmes (Goéland Beach, La Croisette) 
• Format: Keynote, Pitching Session, Networking Event 
• Program: 
  ○ Industry keynotes on film financing trends (open to Festival & Marché badge holders)
  ○ Pitching session by directors and lead producers (by invitation only)
  ○ Exclusive networking cocktail (by invitation only)

The Marché du Film – Festival de Cannes opens its doors on 13 May 2025, with the film market running until 21 May and the Festival concluding its activities on 24 May.