CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2024
LUXURY International Magazine’s attendance at the 77th Marche du Film Cannes Festival was diversified this year. Whilst our presence was still felt at many dazzling and star-drenched parties (and as always, at the infamous AMFAR), we also had our first encounter behind the veil of glamour.
By Emma Smith
KAYVAN MASHAYEKH, FOUNDER OF PRODUCERS WITHOUT BORDERS
Thanks to our new partnership with the prestigious Producers Without Borders (PWB), we were welcomed into elite circles where deals are made and dreams yet-to-come-true have their fates decided. Entertainment, and film in particular, is a notoriously challenging industry and anyone with real success will confirm that having a trusted and reliable network is key. PWB is a very special one-of-a-kind network that attracts global entertainment (and associated) industry leaders. Producers, financiers and executives are all there with a unified vision and ethos: to collaborate, create and deliver. These are the three main tenents set out by PWB’s founder Mr Kayvan Mashayekh. LUXURY International Magazine experienced firsthand a rare insight into the business side of this mysterious industry, when we attended the black-tie gala hosted at The Members Club Cannes. The event was sponsored by United Airlines, FilmChain, Hollywood Reporter and JJDC Consultancy, and we can report that it was a beautifully elegant affair with a lot of warmth and genuine support witnessed in the exchanges between members throughout the evening’s festivities.
RAMIN POURTEYMOUR AND JULIA KORS
We had the honour of being official media partner to PWB at their Private Label Champagne & Wine Networking Mixer set beside the beach with a stunning backdrop of the Cote d’Azur landscape. It was a glorious setting worthy of the silver screen itself. Sponsors for this event were United Airlines, Film Houston, Hill Country Studios, The Pepegas Team, The Members Club Cannes and The Hollywood Reporter.
ALINA DIANOVA AND BRENDA JONES
So, you may ask – what did we learn from the ‘business end’? Whilst, admittedly, sipping premium libations and enjoying the stunning scenery we were afforded a glimpse into the ever-evolving role of producers, who must have a tenacious and dynamic character to survive in such a brutal industry. A producer is akin to a meticulous caregiver, managing every aspect of a project.
BLACK TIE MEDIA WALL: NADYA GORSHKOVA, IVANA ILIC-LABIA, AYTEN MIRZOYEVA, KAYVAN MASHAYEKH, RAMIN POURTEYMOUR, JULIA KORS AND CAMILLA BORGHESANI
We are in the advent of new technological tools that are enabling producers to multitask more efficiently; this being a role that is often expected to shoulder multiple responsibilities at once frequently without the associated compensation.
This system is of great economic advantage to the bottom line but, importantly, brings significant challenges, including mental and physical exhaustion, to the individual.
IN FRONT OF MIXER MEDIA WALL
The industry’s demand for increased productivity must be balanced with the wellbeing of its key players. With technology increasingly taking centre stage at Cannes, we predict an even greater and more deeply aligned relationship between these two industries in the future. The panel on ‘Alternative Film Financing via Non-Profits’ revealed transformative insights; Mr Mashayekh himself was one of the voices in conversation. As we brace for an unprecedented $30 trillion wealth transfer in the United States over the next decade, heirs of these fortunes will wield non-profit foundations with built-in DAFs.
ORIO NAVARRA, LORENZO GIORNELLI, FEDERICO GARIBOLDI AND PEPEGAS TEAM GUEST MIXER MEDIA WALL
This setup empowers grant officers and trustees to allocate substantial funds for social impact causes, including the world of film and media. This presents a groundbreaking opportunity for socially conscious, young, wealthy individuals to effect change through the arts, fostering a new era of impactful storytelling. For more information please visit www.producerswithoutborders.com.
ALFRED CERVANTES, EMMA LOUISE SMITH, KAYVAN MASHAYEKH, JON PURPURA, KEVIN BAR, ORIO NAVARRA AND PEPEGAS PARTNER
In summary the insights shared at Cannes underscore the evolving landscape of film financing, the critical role of technology, the expanding responsibilities of producers, and the importance of strategic networking and sponsorships. Embracing these changes with integrity and a forward-thinking mindset will shape the future of the film industry, and we at LUXURY International Magazine are grateful to continue this journey of discovery alongside PWB who are already focusing on their next top-tier film festival presence at the 81st Venice International Film Festival that opens August 28th, 2024.
TOMMASO CAMPIONE, JOHN RAKICH, MARK FOLIGNO, ALEXANDRA COHEN
AND JONATHAN COHEN
PWB Network’s selection criteria evolved at Cannes this year, though the emphasis remains on integrity and a commitment to ‘paying it forward’ it seeks individuals who believe in collaborative growth and are dedicated to uplifting each other. Despite technological advancements the essence of storytelling – making people think and feel – remains paramount. Technology should enhance, not replace, the emotional experiences that stories provide. Entertainment’s experiential nature must be preserved with a conscious understanding of its long-term impact on future generations.
TRANG LE BOZON AND BRENDA JONES
