The Near Future Retreat is an invitation only, Chatham House rules based think tank, industry ideation, exchange and leadership dialogue platform created in collaboration between New Nordic Narratives, Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, and Storytek Innovation & Venture Studio. 

The 9th, Cannes edition organized in partnership with CresCine, a Horizon Europe supported project that aims to boost the competitiveness of small film industries, this  will explore the importance, meaning, and future of independence of the film industry, and of up/and reskilling as a driver for change, seen across the turbulent film and TV producing landscape.

The NFR think tank journey has made it increasingly aware of how often we use words without really knowing whether we understand them in the same way. What does industry really mean when we talk about the film production ecosystem? What do we mean when we talk about independent films and companies? What skills do we really have or need to acquire to become sustainable and competitive professionals in this art vs. business playing field that is facing numerous turmoils? 

For business models to change and grow holistically, for creative processes to become more sustainable, for AI, technological changes, and transformation of skills and employment trajectories and impact to become opportunities for change rather than paralyzing threats, what role does the concept of being independent small industry professional play, as we seem to rely more on each other than ever?

NFR started its ongoing journey at Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and has traveled across 7 festivals and events during 2023. 

This is a closed event. Apply here.

State of the European Film Report Premier

What is the current state of the European film industry? Which films are making it to festivals and how are they being received globally? How are small markets performing in terms of their competitiveness, financing, genres, and market configurations? How are European films represented on streaming platforms and what do audiences think and want?

CresCine, a Horizon Europe-backed project aimed at boosting the competitiveness of European small markets, is proud to release its first-ever interactive State of European Film report. This report focuses on the state of festivals, small market performance, greening & sustainability, competitiveness, skills, and audiences. The report will be released at the Cannes Industry Insights Day.

Join us for this fast-paced, data and insights-packed session to explore the current state of Europe’s film industry and its future direction. Future-proof your competitiveness with CresCine!

It is an open secret that public financing, the cornerstone of European and arthouse cinema, is under pressure. In 2024, it faces increasing challenges due to geopolitics, an ongoing economic downturn, and the overall cooling of the industry.

Who are the cutting-edge financing innovators, funds, and private equity investors driving the industry forward outside the public financing system with innovative and out-of-the-box financing solutions and opportunities for independent productions?

CresCine, a Horizon Europe-backed project boosting the competitiveness of European small markets through comprehensive industry insights, is partnering with Cannes Next for an exclusive session featuring a selection of European and global film financing innovators and institutions.

Apply for the session to get to know the latest out-of-the-box financing methods, tools, and platforms. Learn about the opportunities and expectations of European innovative film and content funds, and discover what makes or breaks an investment deal for your slate of production.

This session has limited capacity, and attendees are selected on a case-by-case basis only.