The new venue is designed to strengthen the exhibition sector by connecting international cinema exhibitors, distributors and key stakeholders

Cannes' Marché du Film and Cine Group have announced their collaboration to create the first-ever venue within a major film market dedicated specifically to international cinema exhibition. Situated at the Rotonde du Lérins, beside the Palais des Festivals, the new space aims to bring cinema theatres back to the centre of industry discussions.

The venue will feature two distinct areas. The “Lérins Cinemas Club” premium screening room, at the heart of the Marché du Film, will offer an immersive viewing experience designed for optimal viewing comfort, with Christie and Dolby equipment and KLS sofas. The “Cinemas Club” hospitality area, an adjoining reception space with a terrace overlooking the Bay of Cannes, will be dedicated to networking, meetings and discussions on the challenges and future of theatrical exhibition.

From Tuesday 12 May to Wednesday 20 May, the space and screening room will host a full daily programme of events for the exhibition ecosystem. International industry leaders will participate in round-tables, conferences and master classes throughout the market.

The venue will also be available to distributors, institutions and sales companies for film screenings, line-up presentations, and events for their partners. With its premium screening room and dedicated networking space, the Cinemas Club is set to become a key reference point for professionals in exhibition and international distribution.

“The Marché du Film has always served the ‘upstream’ market, connecting international sales companies and distributors. It felt essential to also address the ‘downstream’ market — between distributors and exhibitors — through this new initiative and premium screening venue,” said Guillaume Esmiol, executive director of the Marché du Film.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Marché du Film to create this innovative and unique space,” added Julien Marcel, president of Cine Group. “Beyond being a working tool for professionals, this venue will also serve as a welcoming hub for exchange and reflection on the future of the cinema theatre.”