I expect were going to break that record again to be not far off 15,000.
After the pandemic, we were asking whether people would come back to the market.
We didnt want to put this burden only on the sales companies by increasing screening or stand prices.
The Marché du Film in CannesGrégoire Lentini, MdF
Many of these companies are still trying to get back to pre-pandemic levels of business.
It didnt feel fair, says Esmiol.
Esmiol expects extra U.S. activity at the market in the wake of the Hollywood strikes.
Guillaume EsmiolMDF
You have some countries that are very small in size but that are very active like Belgium, Netherlands.
Switzerland, he says.
The showcase will focus on Switzerlands prowess in innovation and technology as well as its co-production know-how.
The territory is involved in around 80 features productions a year, 43% of which are co-productions.
Other territories out in force include Canada, South Korea and Japan.
Esmiol says this trend is not born out in Asian attendance which is back to pre-pandemic levels.
Already last year we felt a huge comeback from Asian countries.
Japan was up plus 10%, and South Korea was up plus 16%.
If theyre coming to Cannes, its to connect with the international business, he says.
One Asian territory lagging behind is China, although numbers are up on last year.
In 2022, there were practically no Chinese professionals, apart from those living in Europe.
Last year, there were around 250, which was a nice surprise.
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