16/10/2024 - The head honcho of the Montreal-based industry gathering explains what makes it unique and what she envisions for the event in the next decade

The head honcho of the Montreal-based industry gathering Nouveau Marché, Hayet Benkara, explains what makes it unique and what she envisions for the event in the next decade.

Cineuropa: What makes the Nouveau Marché different from other film markets, particularly those in Europe?
Hayet Benkara: When we created the Nouveau Marché, we wanted to bring something truly new. We were especially interested in highlighting international projects and, specifically, exploring what it would mean to bring international markets to North America. We aim to attract projects that Canadian and US producers might find compelling. Often, American industry professionals don’t have the opportunity to meet with artists who are in the early stages of development, as most projects they see are already in production, gap financing, or are even completed. We wanted to introduce them to projects early on so they could see how they might contribute creatively or financially, thus making these films more accessible and accepted in North American markets.

Can you explain the selection process for the Nouveau Marché?
Our selection process is quite unique. We don’t do a call for submissions; instead, we curate the projects ourselves. We strive to represent every continent, including North and South America, Africa, Europe and Asia. We choose projects at various stages of development – some very early, others more advanced. This flexibility is essential, as we don’t impose specific funding or development requirements. We believe this helps move projects forward and removes some of the typical barriers that might otherwise slow their progress. The $25,000 CAD prize we offer is meant to provide meaningful support to move these projects forward, whether in script development, location scouting or for other production needs. Our selection process also includes recommendations from producers, friends, colleagues and programmers who are familiar with up-and-coming projects.

Do you collaborate with other film markets globally?
Absolutely – that’s something we’re keen to expand on. We’ve previously collaborated with the Rotterdam Lab, sending producers to participate in their events. We’ve also had discussions with the Marrakech Film Festival, as we’re very interested in working with African filmmakers. This year, we plan to further explore how we can establish these kinds of relationships.

What do you envision for the Nouveau Marché in the next five to ten years?
It’s a challenging question, but in the short term, we’re already growing. We’ve integrated Québécois and Canadian projects, bringing our total selection to 24 projects. We’d like to establish a stronger presence in North America and continue to grow. However, funding is always a consideration, as we invite all of our project leaders and guests to participate in the market.

Despite the shifts in the industry, auteur cinema still has a long life ahead of it. People want to see stories that challenge them and that reflect the world they live in. Platforms like ARTE and MUBI can play a role in sustaining this kind of cinema. I believe audiences may eventually grow tired of conventional television content, and start seeking out stories that provide deeper meaning and resonate with their lives.