Written by Autumn Scott
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As I’ve heard, all good things come in threes. And as a consummate lover of a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, I’m inclined to agree. The three biggest film festivals in the world are no different. Whether you’re going to Berlinale, Cannes, or Venice, you can’t go wrong, but as someone who has been to all three, allow me to share some insights.
A festival close to my heart, I’ll admit. Two years ago, I was on the Europa Cinemas Jury, chosen to select the Best European Film award. I’ll talk about my experience as a jury member in a separate article (mainly because I haven’t been able to shut up about it). When you think Berlinale, think political cinema, pints of beer, and running into Harry Styles at Berghain. Not to mention, the host of the European Film Market (EFM), a major hub for European and international distributors. If you’re in sales or distribution and you want to be in the room where it happens, look no further than the EFM. Head to the Gropius Bau to see the country of focus for that year and get a look at all the potential collaborators waiting for you. Known originally as “the showcase of the free world,” Berlinale is a meeting point for artists, filmmakers, and everyone in between.
Home to the best wine in the world (sorry to my Italian ancestors) and the largest film market in the world, we have the Cannes Film Festival. Known for the Palme d’Or and its invite-only parties, Cannes has a legacy that has stood the test of time. While mostly accessible to industry professionals, Cannes has offerings for individuals aged 18 to 28 (shameless plug for my article telling you all about it here) and for self-proclaimed Cinephiles, which is honestly very endearing to me. There’s a palpable buzz in the air when you first touch down near the Palais, and it’s hard not to get excited as crowds swarm the red carpet. As an industry professional, I’ve found the diverse offerings of the Marche du Film extremely helpful, and I’ve made lasting connections and, even more importantly, friendships.
Stepping into Venice feels like stepping foot in another world. Held on the Lido island, it’s easy to imagine yourself in a black and white film. Makes sense, as Venice is the world’s oldest film festival (est. 1932). Over the past few years, Venice has been seen as the start of awards season. And for me, the start of my beautiful love story with Angelina Jolie after I was in the same room as her for the first time. You won’t find a sales market here, but instead a “gap-financing market,” which offers targeted one-on-one meetings to help producers finalize funding for specific projects. Be sure to grab a cornetto and cappuccino (not after 3PM or you will incur wrath) and grab a vaporetto to get to Lido. Or, if you didn’t queue early enough and you’re in dire straits, treat yourself to a water taxi. It’s worth it, I promise. But maybe learn a bit of Italian so you can haggle the price.
Honestly, no matter which festival you’re interested in attending or which red carpet you find yourself on, you truly can’t go wrong. Each has a slightly different flavour, but all three have a common thread connecting them, and that’s a love for film and connection. Each was born out of a universal need for cinema as resilience and resistance. So, keep supporting filmmakers and voices that move you.
See you in the cinema!
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