A classic on the agenda of European fairs and markets, Unifrance’s Rendez-Vous returns once again to the city of Biarritz, where it intends to bring together French sellers, producers-distributors, and international buyers again in one of the obligatory appointments for anyone who is interested in the audiovisual made in France. The event is held from September 3 to 7 and will have independent, emerging companies, and big players such as About Premium Content (APC), Ampersand, ARTE Distribution, Balanga, Dandeloo, Cyber Group Studios, Federation Studios, France TV Distribution, Gaumont, Mediawan Rights, Newen Connect, among others.
It is a special year for Unifrance and for the audiovisual in France, because their programs export is ‘on the rise’, according to Daniela Elstner, executive director. The figures from the latest study conducted by the CNC and Unifrance showed increasing activity. In fact, exports of French audiovisual programs in 2021 (sales, pre-sales, and co-production contributions) reached a new record with a total of €375.9 million (+6% compared to 2020).
In fact, Rendez-Vous will seek to surpass last year’s record edition, which brought together 250 buyers from 47 countries, and 62 distributors, who will seek to boost business in their Screening Rooms with more than 1,300 titles available, a platform that last year generated more than 3,000 visits and 4,200 views.
As usual, the opening ceremony of this year’s event, on September 3, will take place in Les Halles de Biarritz, and on the 4th, the market and video library in Bellevue will open for participants. That same day, the CNC in alliance with Unifrance, will present the report «2022 French TV Export Figures», where they will offer a panorama of the national audiovisual. In the evening, France TV Distribution will offer a presentation and screening event of the highly anticipated Parlement – Season 3 (Parliament) with the creators and actors of the series.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, September 5, the market and the «Screening Room» will continue to be open, while Film & Pictures will host a screening lunch of All This I Will Give To You, its stellar title at the market. And at night, Xilam Animation hosts a cocktail party to present three of its new titles of the season: Athleticus, Karate Sheep, and Zig & Sharko.
Finally, on September 6, the documentary directed by Benjamin Clavel The Matrix: Generation, will be shown for the first time, at the closing party organized by The Party Film Sales. The work has generated a lot of international interest due to its cult focus on the blockbuster and classic of the Wachowskis’.
‘We hope that this edition will once again have the positive figures of those of past years and with this continue to give impetus to the French audiovisual, small and large’, added Elstner.
Alberto Buitron
