NZFC 2026 CANNES UPDATE
The NZFC will participate in the Cannes Film Market, running from 12-20 May 2026 and will also once again arrange meetings and events in London in the week immediately prior to Cannes (likely dates 6-8 May 2026, TBC).
NZFC @ Cannes 2026
The New Zealand office will again be based in the Grand Hotel Residence, at 45 Blvd de la Croisette. The office will open on Tuesday 12 May (the first day of the market) and close on Wednesday 20 May (the last day of the market).
The NZFC office will include a shared space for New Zealand producers, a private meeting room available for bookings, tea/coffee making facilities and secure lock-up for belongings.
Expression of Interest Process
If you’re intending to attend Cannes, please register your expression of interest by completing the Cannes 2026 Expression of Interest Form by 6pm, Monday 16 February 2026.
This form also includes the ability to register your interest in participating in NZFC meetings and/or events in London immediately prior to Cannes. Events are likely to include producer speed meetings, a film screening and reception, a networking event involving expat New Zealanders working in the UK screen industry, and related industry connecting activities. Likely dates for this are Wednesday 6 to Friday 8 May 2026. Once we have an understanding of how many NZ producers would look to participate in these activities en route to Cannes we will tailor our programme of events accordingly and share further information.
Accreditation
Cannes Film Market registration is now open and should be made via the official website.
Early deadline (459€): Thursday 5 March 2026
Regular deadline (529€): Monday 27 April 2026
The full programme of Cannes Film Market events—such as the Producers Network activity—is outlined in detail on the market website.
NZFC Filmmaker International Travel Fund – Cannes 2026
Applications Open: 12noon, Friday 13 February 2026
Applications Close: 12noon, Monday 23 February 2026
Decisions Communicated to Applicants: By 6pm, Thursday 26 February 2026
The Filmmaker International Travel Fund – Cannes 2026 structure is focused on supporting experienced New Zealand film producers with:
- a completed feature film premiering in the marketplace, or at least one (but preferably more) feature film project in advanced development;
- clear objectives for travel; and
- a thorough plan for the trip including meetings with contacts.
The application process and a link to thr online application portal can be found on the Filmmaker International Travel Fund website.
Please choose Filmmaker International Travel Fund – Cannes 2026 when applying online.
Individual applications for Cannes 2026 are capped at NZ$6,500+GST.
Given the limited funding available, we will not fund:
- two (or more) producers travelling to Cannes in support of the same film premiering and/or to progress the same shared slate project;
- two (or more) producers from the same company travelling to Cannes; or
- applications that solely comprise TV/streaming episodic and/or other non-feature film projects.
The NZFC assessment of individual Filmmaker International Travel Fund – Cannes 2026 applications - will focus closely on the strength of the projects in the slate and the proposed objectives and outcomes from attending Cannes for each project. They are particularly focused on supporting applications that feature projects in advanced development with NZFC support; in exceptional circumstances they'll consider supporting applications featuring projects in advanced development without NZFC support. They'll also be looking closely at project outcomes from Cannes 2025 attendance (if you attended last year) and/or any other festivals/markets that you have attended in recent years with the same slate project/s. Given the anticipated competition for limited funding, not all applications received will get support.
Please direct any queries in relation to Filmmaker International Travel Fund – Cannes 2026 support to travelfund@nzfilm.co.nz
Communications
Regular updates about the NZFC presence and activities in Cannes will be provided to all New Zealanders attending the festival/market in due course. Our first mailer to New Zealanders attending Cannes will be in early March and will include a timeline of all communications with attendees and key activities/milestones in the lead-up to Cannes, including activities in London immediately pre-Cannes.
Last but not least, highlighting that Air NZ is currently offering UK, Europe and Asia flights on sale, ending at midnight on Friday 27 February. More information on eligible destinations and departure/return dates, available here.