22/04/2024 - The new initiative aims to encourage the global circulation of European intellectual property for fresh cinematic adaptations

UPDATE 22 April 2024: The full line-up of projects participating in the Cannes Remakes initiative has been revealed - scroll down to the bottom of the article to see the list.

The Marché du Film of the Cannes Film Festival has partnered with the French National Centre of Cinema and Moving Images (CNC) to introduce the innovative Cannes Remakes initiative, scheduled to make its debut during the forthcoming edition of the film market, from 14-22 May.

In conjunction with the CNC, and supported by Spain’s Institute of Cinematography & Audiovisual Arts (ICAA), the Directorate General for Cinema and Audiovisual - Italian Ministry of Culture (DGCA-MiC) and Cinecittà, Cannes Remakes will shine a spotlight on a carefully chosen assortment of premier European intellectual property (IP), primed for adaptation into fresh cinematic versions.

The programme is strategically crafted to tap into the burgeoning IP market, which has experienced significant expansion, primarily propelled by increased investments from global streaming platforms. Film remakes, especially, have emerged as a lucrative avenue in the industry, offering reduced risks and proven commercial appeal. Cannes Remakes seeks to cultivate this flourishing trend in remakes by showcasing established IPs that have already enjoyed success in their original territories, and by facilitating connections between international buyers and producers.

Guillaume Esmiol, executive director of the Marché du Film, states, “Remakes are injecting a fresh dynamism into the film industry, hinting at a notable shift. We are excited to support this evolution through Cannes Remakes. It’s not just about English-language remakes; there's a rising trend of adaptations in various languages. Audiences are drawn to narratives that resonate with their distinct cultural nuances, paving the way for diverse, global storytelling. We aim to expand the IP market in Cannes and create a platform where IP holders can engage with producers and IP buyers, unlocking potential business opportunities.”

Jérémie Kessler, director of European and International Affairs at the CNC, comments, “The international trend towards IP, which is particularly evident with US studios and buyers from Asia, now appears to be a structuring factor. It is thus important for the CNC to launch this programme with the Marché du Film. It fits in with our massive support for exports, but also with our strategic priority of defending strategic cultural assets and promoting European IPs. For it is these IPs that create value for producers, international sellers and companies, and make it possible to support truly free and independent European creation.”

Cannes Remakes is integrated into the Marché du Film's new initiatives, supported by Creative Europe – MEDIA. The inaugural programme will feature a pitching session, showcasing a curated selection of IP titles sourced from France, Spain and Italy, with the greatest potential for cinematic adaptation. A series of pre-arranged one-to-one meetings will ensue. The half-day event is slated to occur during the Marché du Film on Monday 20 May, at the CNC beach.

Here is the full list of projects taking part:

Presented by the National Centre of Cinema and Moving Images (CNC)

Delete History [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile] - Benoît Delépine, Gustave Kervern (France/Belgium)
Producers: Les Films du Worso, No Money Productions
IP holders: Les Films du Worso

Marguerite's Theorem [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Anna Novion
film profile] - Anna Novion (France/Switzerland)
Producers: Gilles Sacuto, Miléna Poylo
IP holders: Other Angle Pictures

Men on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown - Audrey Dana (France/Belgium)
Producer: Olivier Delbosc (Curiosa Films)
IP holders: France TV Distribution

The Translators [+see also:
trailer
interview: Régis Roinsard
film profile] - Régis Roinsard (France/Belgium)
Producer: Alain Attal
IP holders: Trésor Films

Vincent Must Die [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Stéphan Castang
film profile] - Stéphan Castang (France/Belgium)
Producer: Thierry Lounas (Capricci)
IP holders: Goodfellas

Presented by the Institute of Cinematography & Audiovisual Arts (ICAA)

Cross the Line [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: David Victori
film profile] - David Victori (Spain)
Producers: Laura Fernandez, Carlos Fernandez
IP holders: Filmax

Rider - Ignacio Estaregui (Spain)
Producer: Estaregui y Sendino & Machín
IP holders: Begin Again Films

Under Therapy [+see also:
trailer
film profile] - Gerardo Herrero (Spain)
Producer: Tornasol Films
IP holders: Latido Films

Presented by Directorate General for Cinema and Audiovisual - Italian Ministry of Culture (DGCA-MiC) and Cinecittà

Gloria! [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Margherita Vicario
film profile] - Margherita Vicario (Italy/Switzerland)
Producers: Valeria Jamonte, Manuela Melissano, Carlo Cresto-Dina (Tempesta), Paolo Del Brocco (RAI Cinema), Katrin Renz (Tellfilm)
IP holders: Tempesta

Put Grandma in the Freezer [+see also:
trailer
making of
film profile] - Giancarlo Fontana, Giuseppe G Stasi (Italy)
Producers: Nicola Giuliano, Francesca Cima, Carlotta Calori
IP holders: Indigo Film

The War of the Grandpas - Gianluca Ansanelli (Italy)
Producer: Marco Belardi (Greenboo Production)
IP holders: True Colours