Press release
Paris, 7 May 2025
INSTITUT FRANÇAIS ANNOUNCES THE PATRON OF THE 17th EDITION OF LA FABRIQUE CINÉMA AND THE PROGRAMME OF THE CINÉMAS DU MONDE PAVILION AT THE CANNES FESTIVAL
Just a few days before the opening of the 78th Festival de Cannes, Institut français and its official partners France Médias Monde (RFI, France 24 and Monte Carlo Doualiya) and the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) are pleased to announce the nomination of French producer Marianne Slot as patron of the 2025 edition of La Fabrique Cinéma de l’Institut français and to present the programme of the Cinémas du monde Pavilion (Village international, Cinémas du monde Pavilion, no. 107).
La Fabrique Cinéma is a tool designed to support international co-production with France. This annual selection, which has become a mark of quality, enables filmmakers and producers from Global South and emerging countries to be identified and promoted to the French and international film industry. Thanks to tailored support for first and second films, in close collaboration with the Cannes Film Festival, the Marché du Film and numerous professional partners, 61 films have been produced and, for the most part, selected or awarded prizes at international festivals. Among these films, 38% associated with French producers have received Aide aux cinémas du monde (Aid to World Cinema) funding.
See the films supported by La Fabrique Cinéma at https://filmsfabriquecinema.institutfrancais.com/fr
Discover the 10 La Fabrique Cinéma projects selected for the 2025 edition at https://www.institutfrancais.com/en/programmes-and-projects/la-fabrique-cinema
THE PRODUCER MARIANNE SLOT, PATRON OF LA FABRIQUE CINÉMA DE L’INSTITUT FRANCAIS 2025
Denmark-born Marianne Slot is a French producer who specialises in international arthouse cinema.
In 1993, Marianne Slot founded the film production company SLOT MACHINE in Paris.
Since 1995, when she co-produced the film Breaking the Waves, she has been the French co-producer of all Lars Von Trier’s films. Over the years, Marianne Slot has worked with many international directors, including Lucrecia Martel, Bent Hamer, Malgoska Szumowska, Paz Encina, Lisandro Alonso, Emma Dante, Marian Crisan, Juliette Garcia, Yesim Ustaoglu, Sergei Loznitsa, Naomi Kawase and Benedikt Erlingsson.
Marianne Slot was the Scandinavian delegate to the San Sebastian International Film Festival from 1997 to 2018.
Between 2013 and 2015, she was President of Aide aux cinémas du monde, an initiative set up by the French Ministry of Culture, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the CNC and Institut français.
In May 2015, Marianne Slot was awarded the French honorary title of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by French Culture Minister Fleur Pellerin at a ceremony in Cannes.
As a member of the 50/50 Collective, Marianne Slot is committed to the feminist cause and in 2018 was one of 82 women in the sector who walked the red carpet at Cannes to protest against sexism in the film industry.
From 1999 to 2018, Marianne Slot was a member of the Board of the Maison du Danemark in Paris.
She was President of the European Solidarity Fund for Ukrainian Films 2023 (CNC – EFAD)
She was also awarded the Raimondo Rezzonico Prize at the 76th Locarno Film Festival in 2023.
THE PROGRAMME OF THE 2025 CINÉMAS DU MONDE PAVILION
Les Cinémas du monde Pavilion, the setting for La Fabrique Cinéma de l’Institut français, will once again be welcoming French and international professionals from the sector to a full programme of round tables, masterclasses, workshops and professional encounters.
Highlights include a discussion with Abderrahmane Sissako on the challenges of restoring and promoting the cinematic heritage of Africa, India, Sri Lanka and Iraq, a focus on Brazilian book-to-screen markets (Shoot The Book!) as part of the Brazil – Country of Honour at the Marché du Film and the France-Brazil Season, and professional meetings with the French cultural network abroad.
Led by experts, the Fabrique ouverte sessions will offer attendees short, practical presentations on topics such as ecoproduction, funding and the role of the French technical industries in international co-productions.
Lectures and round tables
Wednesday 14 May
10am - 11am
Round table
Brazil and France – Women in management positions
A round table on access, retention, and equality for women in the audiovisual industry. This initiative also aims to strengthen international networks and encourage the exchange of transformative practices between countries – particularly with Brazil, which is in the spotlight this year at the Marché du Film. With Leslie Thomas (CNC), Joelma Gonzaga (Brazilian Ministry of Culture), Clémentine Charlemaine (Collectif 50/50), and others.
Moderated by: Juliana Funaro.
In partnership with the +Mulheres Institute, the Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC), the Brazilian Ministry of Culture’s Audiovisual Secretariat, UN Women, Collectif 50/50 and ApexBrasil.
4pm - 6pm
FABRIQUE OUVERTE workshop
Ecoproduce – Tools for responsible production and sharing practices
Collaborative and practical workshop around ecoproduction strategies: sharing of practices between talents from La Fabrique Cinéma and international producers, discussions on available tools (carbon calculation, practical leaflets) and presentation of an e-learning platform.
Moderated by: Alissa Aubenque and Baptiste Heynemann
In partnership with the Commission Supérieure Technique de l’Image et du Son (CST) and Ecoprod
Registration required, places limited
Thursday 15 May
11am - 12.30pm
Masterclass
Shoot the Book! From book to screen: focus on Brazil’s IP and audiovisual markets
Market presentation and case studies to understand the trends, practices and key players in the content markets in Brazil. This masterclass is organised by Institut français, with the French cultural network abroad and SCELF. It opens Shoot the Book! Cannes (15-16 May), the market dedicated to book-to-screen projects within the Marché du Film.
Moderated by Marie-Charlotte Baoudour and Nicolas Piccato
In partnership with the Société Civile des Éditeurs de Langue Française (SCELF – Society of French Language Publishers) and the French cultural network abroad
3.30pm - 6.00pm
Pitch Sessions
Presentation of the 10 projects of La Fabrique Cinéma de l’Institut français 2025
Presentation of the ten projects of La Fabrique Cinéma 2025. Each pitch will be followed by a short question and answer session. The session will run as follows: 5 pitches – coffee break – 5 pitches.
Moderated by: Gabrielle Béroff-Gallard and Thibaut Bracq
Friday 16 May
10.30am - 12.30pm
Masterclas
Marianne Slot, patron of La Fabrique Cinéma
This session is devoted to a masterclass delivered by the patron of La Fabrique Cinéma 2025. She will share her vision of cinema, both as an art form and as an industry, and address some of the contemporary issues facing the sector.
Moderated by Thomas Baurez
By invitation only
2.30pm - 4.00pm
Round table
Cross-creation (cinema, immersive arts, theatre): the international influence of authors of immersive experiences
Creation, exchange and export: through residencies, festivals, workshops and exhibitions, French XR authors share their know-how, meet other talents and raise the profile of French digital creation on the international scene.
In partnership with ELIXR, the association of independent XR designers.
4.30pm - 6.00pm
Professional meetings
Co-producing with the Caucasus and Turkey
Presentation of the opportunities and challenges of co-production with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey: mechanisms in place, testimonials, case studies and the presence of directors in residence (Cité Internationale des Arts, CNC, L’Usage du Monde au 21ème siècle). In conjunction with the “Caucasus and Turkey co-production workshops” organised on 17 May from 1pm at the Hotel Adosom by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and CNC. Presentation of 9 promising projects from the region by their producers.
Moderated by Emmanuelle Faucilhon and Florent Signifredi
In partnership with the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC)
Saturday 17th May
10.30am – 11.30am
Professional meetings
Co-producing with Nigeria
Presentation of opportunities, challenges, and models for co-production between France and Nigeria, with a focus on creative dynamics, financing, and the potential for collaboration between the two industries. With Francis Nebot (IFIND Pictures) and Pape Boye (Black Mic Mac).
Moderator: Christophe Pecot.
In partnership with the French Embassy in Nigeria and Screen Nigeria.
2.30pm - 4.30pm
Round table
Shared memories, from heritage to creation: guests at Cinémathèque Afrique
A round table discussion on questions concerning the restoration and circulation of restored films, and shared and collective memory. In the presence of Thierno Souleymane Diallo, Aïssa Diaby (Institut français, Cinémathèque Afrique), Shivendra Singh Dungarpur (Film Heritage Foundation), Mathieu Béjot (Institut français India), Wareth Kwaish (the Iraqi Cinémathèque – Expertise France), and Narjiss Nejjar (La Cinémathèque Marocaine).
Moderator: F. Clémentine Dramani-Issifou
Introductory keynote by Abderrahmane Sissako
4.30pm - 6.30pm
Professional meetings
African cinematographies: creations, connections, circulations and resonances
Through the professional meeting format, discover projects and structuring initiatives for pan-African creation. In the presence of Liz Gomis (MansA), Sébastien Onomo (Pathé Touch Afrique) and Souleymane Kebe (Astou Productions).
Moderated by: Séraphine Angoula
In partnership with MansA – Maison des Mondes Africains
Sunday 18
9am - 11.30am
Professional meetings
Expanding internationally
Professional meeting with audiovisual attachés from the French cultural network abroad. An opportunity to explore international support schemes, partnerships and development strategies for professionals wishing to expand beyond their own borders.
With audiovisual attachés from the French cultural network abroad
12pm - 1.30pm
Round Table
Diversity & inclusion: how can we draw inspiration from high-impact European initiatives ?
Collectif 50/50 is organising a round table discussion on the impact of inclusion initiatives in Europe. The aim is to draw inspiration from success stories, while highlighting the challenges that persist from one country to another. It’s an opportunity to highlight strategies that work despite the varied and complex contexts.
Moderator: Victoria Thomas (ARTEF – Anti-Racism Task Force)
In partnership with Collectif 50/50
3pm - 5pm
FABRIQUE OUVERTE workshop
Financing a film – Solving the maze?
Workshop on public and private funding schemes in France, followed by group networking sessions. With the presence of Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine (Media Club International), Sophie Erbs (Gaijin), Zahra Benasri (Hors du Bocal), Céline Leclercq (CNC), Pierre Dallois (CICLC Val de Loire), Pape Boye (Black Mic Mac), Lola Legros (Film Paris Region) …
Moderated by Gilles Gaillard
In partnership with Media Club International
Registration required, places limited
Monday 19th May
5pm - 7pm
FABRIQUE OUVERTE workshop
French post-production – Talent, tools and financing
Moderated by: Baptiste Heynemann
In partnership with the Commission Supérieure Technique de l’Image et du Son (CST)
Registration required, places limited
Tuesday 20th May
6.00pm - 7.30pm
Pitch session
Presentation of the projects by the winners from the first class of the Queer Palm Lab 2024/2025
Organised by Queer Palm Lab, in partnership with the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Institut français Latin America and the Morelia International Film Festival.
The 5 winners from the first class of the Queer Palm Lab (2024/2025), sponsored by Lukas Dhont, will be at Cannes to pitch their queer-themed first feature film projects (free entry).
Moderated by Franck Finance-Madureira
The World Cinema Pavilion is a platform for work, exchange, and encounters organiSed by Institut français in close collaboration with the Cannes Film Festival and in partnership with France Médias Monde (RFI, France 24, and Monte Carlo Doualiya) and the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).
For more information: https://www.institutfrancais.com/en/programmes-and-projects/cinemas-du-monde-pavilion
INSTITUT FRANÇAIS’ SUPPORT FOR WORLD CINEMA
La Fabrique Cinéma out in force at Cannes
In 2025, a large selection of former participants in the La Fabrique Cinéma de l’Institut français programme will be presented at Cannes.
We are delighted that Morad Mostafa’s feature film Aisha can’t fly away, produced by Sawsan Yusuf, has been selected for the Official Competition in the Un Certain Regard section. The project was selected in 2022 at La Fabrique Cinéma, and the Egyptian director and his producer have been able to build on some key meetings for the project. The film is also co-produced by May Odeh, a Palestinian producer and participant of La Fabrique 2025.
Other alumni will also be in the Cannes selection this year:
OFFICIAL SELECTION:
Short Film Competition
Agapito by Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Romero, produced by Kristine De Leon, co-produced by Alemberg Ang. The Filipino director and his producer took part in La Fabrique Cinéma in 2023 and the co-producer is an alumnus of La Fabrique 2021.
Ali by Adnan Al Rajeev, produced by Tanveer Hossain and Kristine De Leon (Filipino), La Fabrique Cinéma 2023.
Feature Film Competition
Renoir by Chie Hayakawa, co-produced by Alemberg Ang (Philippines), alumni of La Fabrique Cinéma 2021.
Un Certain Regard
Aisha can’t fly away by Morad Mostafa, produced by Sawsan Yusuf (Egypt), alumni of La Fabrique Cinéma 2023.
La Semaine de la Critique (Critics’ Week)
Feature film: A Useful Ghost by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, produced by Cattleya Paosrijaoren (Thailand). The producer was at La Fabrique in 2024. The film is also co-produced by May Odeh, participant of La Fabrique 2025.
La Quinzaine des Cinéastes (Directors’ Fortnight)
La Factory des Cinéastes presents the short film Ponto Cego by Luciana Vieira (Brazil) and Marcel Beltrán (Cuba). Marcel Beltran took part in La Fabrique Cinéma in 2024.
Since 2009, La Fabrique Cinéma has supported 164 projects from Global South and emerging countries and supported 302 filmmakers and producers (46% of them women) from 67 different countries (30% African countries). More than 80 French producers, distributors, and sales agents have taken part in the programme and contributed to the completion of projects with films that have been honoured at major festivals and released in cinemas (and on platforms) for audiences in France and around the world.
In 2025, 61 films have already been made, representing 40% of the projects.
15 films supported by Aide aux cinémas du monde (CNC-Institut français) on the screens of Cannes
OFFICIAL SELECTION:
Competition:
1- Japan - Renoir by Ms Chie Hayakawa, Ici et Là Productions
2- Spain - After (Sirat) by Mr Oliver Laxe, 4 A 4, Productions El Deseo (Spain)
3- Ukraine - Two Prosecutors by Mr Sergeï Loznitsa, SBS Productions, Atoms & Void (Netherlands), The Match Factory (Germany), Studio Uljana Jim (Lithuania)
4- Brazil - L’Agent Secret by Mr Kleber Mendonça Filho, MK Productions, CinemaScópio (Brazil)
5- Iran - It Was Just an Accident by Mr Jafar Panahi, LFP – Les Films Pelléas, Jafar Panahi Film Production (IRAN), Bidibul Productions (Luxembourg)
6- Sweden - Eagles of the Republic by Mr Tarik Saleh, Memento Production, Unlimited Stories AB (Sweden), Ström Pictures (Denmark)
7- Norway - Sentimental Value by Mr Joachim Trier, Plus Lumen
Un Certain Regard
8- Egypt - Aïcha can’t fly away by M. Morad Mostafa, Coorigines Production, Bonanza Films (Egypt), Nomadis Image (Tunisia)
9- Tunisia - Promis le ciel by (Promised Sky) by Ms Erige Sehiri, ManekiFilms, Henia Production (Tunisia)
10- Portugal - Demain est un autre jour (O Riso e a Faca – Tomorrow is another day) by Mr Pedro Pinho, Still Moving Terratreme Filmes, Bubbles Project, Pandora Film
11- Chile - Mystérieux regard du flamant rose (Le) by Mr Diego Céspedes, Les Valseurs, Quijote Films (Chile), Varios Lobos (Mexico)
12- Palestine - Once upon a time in Gaza by Mr Ahmed Abunasser and Mr Mohammed Abunasser, Les Films du Tambour, Riva Filmproduktion (Germany), Ukbar Filmes (Portugal)
CANNES PREMIERE
13- Philippines - Magellan by Mr Lav Diaz, Lib Films (France), Rosa Filmes (Portugal), Andergraun Films (Spain)
CRITICS’ WEEK
14- Spain - The City without Sleep (Ciudad sin sueno) by Mr Guillermo Garcia Lopez Galeo, Les Valseurs, Tournellovision Encanta Films, BTeam Pros, Ciudad sin sueno pelicula (Spain)
15- Thailand - A Useful Ghost (Pee Chai Ka) by Mr Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, Haut les mains Productions, 185 Films Co (Thailand), Momo films (Singapore)
Official partners
Institut français
Institut français is the key agency in implementing France’s international cultural policy on behalf of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture.
Its missions are to support France’s international network of partners in cooperation and cultural action around the world; to assist French creators and France’s cultural and creative industries in their international development; to strengthen dialogue between cultures and societies; and to promote the French language and multilingualism.
France Médias Monde
Watch and listen to the world
France Médias Monde, the group in charge of French international broadcasting, comprises the news channel France 24 (in French, English, Arabic and Spanish), the international radio station RFI (in French and 16 other languages) and the Arabic language radio station Monte Carlo Doualiya. France Médias Monde broadcasts to the world in 21 languages. It’s journalists and correspondents offer viewers, listeners and Internet users comprehensive coverage of world events via news bulletins, reports, magazines and debates, with a focus on cultural diversity and contrasting viewpoints. 64 nationalities are represented among the group’s employees. Every week, RFI, France 24 and Monte Carlo Doualiya attract 254 million contacts. The three media have over 120 million followers on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp and YouTube, and recorded 4 billion audio and video streams in 2024. France Médias Monde is the parent company of CFI, the French media cooperation agency and also a shareholder of the French-language general interest TV channel TV5MONDE.
francemediasmonde.com
Organisation internationale de la Francophonie
The Francophonie refers to men and women who share a common language : French. It is an institution dedicated since 1970 to promoting cultural and linguistic diversity as well as political, educational, economic and cultural cooperation among the 93 member countries of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).
Press contacts
Jean-Philippe Rousse
Director of Communication and Patronage
[email protected]
Neguine Mohsseni
Press Attachée
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