The Marché du Film’s impACT initiative, launched in 2021, has steadily evolved into one of Cannes’ most dynamic and forward-thinking programmes. Set against the backdrop of an ever-shifting global film industry, impACT aims to promote diversity, inclusion, representation and environmental responsibility at every stage of the filmmaking process. This year, impACT returns with its dedicated impACT Lab – a five-day workshop running from 15-19 May at the Producers Club (Lérins) – and a line-up of panels, master classes and interactive workshops that focus on actionable change in the industry.

Targeted at emerging producers selected by partnering institutions, the impACT Lab offers participants exclusive access to group sessions led by top-tier experts, fostering a space for collaboration, practical learning and the development of new co-production opportunities. The workshops are designed to empower these producers to create content that not only resonates globally, but also reflects the core values of equity, authenticity and sustainability.

Lab mentors this year include seasoned leaders such as Avril Speaks (Film Independent), Amy Shepherd and Daniel Turkov (Think-Film Impact Production), Ludovica Chiarini (EcoMuvi), artist-educator Rania El Mugammar, and acclaimed Lithuanian producer Marija Razgutė (M-Films). These changemakers will offer hands-on guidance and will share real-world solutions showing how to build trust in international collaborations, craft ethically grounded stories, and position films with impact at their core for the global marketplace.

The 2025 cohort of Lab producers brings together a diverse group of emerging talents from across the globe, each selected for their commitment to pushing forward inclusive and meaningful storytelling. Among them are Rosy Hajj (Oyoy Productions, Lebanon), supported by Film Independent; Katharina Mumper and Sophia Stier, supported by German Films; Heddwyn Kyambadde (Bweru Films, Uganda), supported by The Great Lakes Creative Producers Lab; Gottardo Giatti (Formasette) and Petra Tartarotti (Albolina Film), supported by IDM Film Commission Südtirol; Espen Larsson (Finnmark Productions) and Marja Bål Nango (7išh Film), supported by the International Sámi Film Institute (ISFI); and Sholeh Alemi Fabbri (Good Measure Productions) and Kathy-Ann Thomas (Cotton Bush Productions), supported by Telefilm Canada.

Highlights from the wider impACT programme include “Accessibility in Action: A Practical Workshop for a More Inclusive Film Industry”, organised with the European Producers Club, which will tackle accessibility in content and production environments, and “Innovating Film Financing”, a timely workshop exploring alternative funding models with a focus on equity-led and women-driven content.

One of the most highly anticipated events is the “Inclusive Co-production in Action” panel on 17 May, hosted by EAVE, When East Meets West, the Canada Media Fund and the International Emerging Film Talent Association. This session will delve into EAVE’s 2025 Report on Inclusive Co-productions, and will present pragmatic tools and case studies to foster equitable collaborations across borders. Moderated by producer Tamara Dawit (Gobez Media Inc), the panel will equip attendees with strategies for fair financing, community-minded distribution and collaborative team-building.

As the film industry continues to grapple with questions of equity, representation and sustainability, the impACT initiative reflects a broader shift toward addressing these systemic issues. The 2025 edition focuses on fostering dialogue, sharing practical tools, and equipping professionals with strategies aimed at building a more inclusive and responsible production landscape.