Sebastián Lelio, Lukas Dhont, Jasmila Zbanić to Pitch New Projects to Investors at Cannes Market

An award-winning lineup of international auteurs, including Oscar-winner Sebastián Lelio (A Fantastic Woman) and Oscar nominees Lukas Dhont (Close) and Jasmila Zbanić (Quo Vadis, Aida?), will take part in the third Investors Circle at the Cannes film market next month, pitching their next projects to a small group of VIP investors.

The Investors Circle lineup, announced today, also includes art house favorites Kornél Mundruczó (Pieces of a Woman), Marie Kreutzer (Corsage), Jessica Hausner (Little Joe), Hlynur Pálmason (Godland), Marcela Said (Los Perros), Giacomo Abbruzzese (Disco Boy) and Eliza Hittman (Never Rarely Sometimes Always).

The 10 filmmakers will present their upcoming projects to a small group of private investors at the Cannes market, the Marché du Film, on Sunday, May 18.

The Investors Circle will feature 10 curated, never-before-seen feature film projects, presented by their directors and filmmakers in a private, invitation-only event for a select group of VIP investors. The projects, spanning various cinematic styles and languages, range in budget from 3 million euro to over 9 million euro ($3 million to $10 million).

“This year’s projects reflect bold, original storytelling from some of today’s most compelling auteur
filmmakers,” said Aleksandra Zakharchenko, head of the Investors Circle. “These are films with real
cultural relevance and global potential — and they need thoughtful, long-term support. With the Investors Circle, we aim to champion these singular voices and help them move from vision to screen.”

After just two editions, the Investors Circle is already bearing fruit, with several projects securing funding. Chie Hayakawa’s Renoir, one of last year’s Investors Circle pitches, was picked to screen in competition at this year’s Cannes festival.