The Film Commissions of Ticino, Valais and Zurich at the Marché du Film in Cannes

Swiss cinema, its film locations and the possibilities of co-production with our country are in the spotlight this year at the Marché du Film in Cannes. Scheduled from 14 to 22 May, the centrepiece festival of the film industry is the largest event dedicated to professionals from the world of cinema: last year it attracted more than 14,000 participants.

Innovative, active and attractive in the field of co-productions, Switzerland is the country of honour at this year's Marché du Film. The Swiss presence in Cannes, a unique opportunity to showcase the strengths of our film industry, is organised by the Swiss Films promotion agency in collaboration with the Federal Office of Culture and the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG SSR).

The Marché du Film in Cannes will welcome the presence of the Ticino Film Commission, alongside the Valais Film Commission and the Film Commission Zurich, organisations that share the common goal of promoting, developing and supporting the Swiss film industry as a whole, taking into account the culture and unique characteristics of each region, as well as attracting productions and co-productions to the territory. There are two main events in the dense programme of the Marché involving the Swiss Film Commissions. These are two round tables that will take place respectively on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May, the first dedicated specifically to the role of Film Commissions in the sphere of international co-productions, the second focusing on the abundance of locations in our country.

Film Commissions, Beyond Locations
The role of Film Commissions in the landscape of International Co-Production
Saturday 18 May, 15.30 -16.30, Palais Stage, Palais des Festivals, Cannes

As the number of co-productions with Switzerland increases, there is growing interest in the possibilities of partnerships with our country. The panel, which will be followed by a networking session, will present an overview of Swiss financing methods and the role played by Film Commissions as new protagonists in this ecosystem. The exchange will also exemplify how Film Commissions are called upon to find solutions to facilitate productions in the context of international film exchanges.

The round table is organised by the Valais Film Commission, Ticino Film Commission and Film Commission Zurich together with the European Film Commission organisation EUFCN (European Film Commission Network) and Swiss Films. Speakers: Julia Krättli (Zürich Film Fund), Lisa Barzaghi (Ticino Film Commission), Tristan Albrecht (Valais Film Commission), Carlo Cresto-Dina (Tempesta Film); Dino Malacarne (Film Commission Zurich). Moderator: Venia Vergou (EUFCN manager).

Dispelling Locations Stereotypes
Sunday, 19 May, 12.15-1pm, Main Stage in the Palais, Cannes

The world of tourism has promoted Switzerland's beautiful snow-capped mountains and idyllic cities to great effect. However, in addition to these great assets, our country also has a wealth of other locations and opportunities on offer, which are often overlooked. The Film Commissioners and producers dispel this stereotype by highlighting Switzerland's lesser-known but cinematically impressive locations and infrastructures.

The round table is organised by the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) together with Ticino Film Commission, Valais Film Commission and Film Commission Zurich and takes place within the framework of the AFCI's Global Film Commission Network Summit. Speakers: Tristan Albrecht (Valais Film Commission), Nicolas Burlet (producer of the film Sauvages, world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival), Michela Pini (producer), Niccolò Castelli (Ticino Film Commission), Dino Malacarne (Film Commission Zurich). Moderator: Gabriela Geisinger (Screen International and KFTV).

The presence in Cannes will allow several networking sessions dedicated to discussing upcoming projects with producers and stakeholders. The Ticino Film Commission will also participate in the official meeting where, in the presence of Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, the Swiss film industry will present itself at the Marché du Film.

Still on the subject of Ticino's participation at the Marché, we also highlight those of producer OIga Lamontanara (Cinédokké) in the Producers under the Spotlight section and that of writer Luca Brunori, among the entrants in the pitches for projects based on literary works Shoot The Book! with Silenzi published by Gabriele Capelli Editore.

Last but not least, the Marché du Film will also feature delicacies from Valais and Ticino, such as those of the renowned Locarno pastry shop Marnin, which is the official food partner of the Swiss delegation in Cannes.