The Golden State is set to get its moment in the French Riviera sun at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. The American Pavilion, which serves as a central hub of the U.S. film industry every year at the prestigious event, will launch an inaugural “California Day” on May 15 near the start of this year’s festival. Spotlighting the state’s essential role in global moviemaking and entertainment innovation, The American Pavilion’s California Day will feature “inspiring keynote addresses, dynamic panels, and vibrant networking opportunities,” according to organizers.
“Our mission has always been to celebrate creativity and provide educational opportunities for the next generation of filmmakers by giving a platform to industry leaders and changemakers,” said Julie Sisk, founder and president of The American Pavilion. “This year, we feel it is important to honor California’s unrivaled legacy in global entertainment. After several challenging years for the industry, dedicating a day to California is essential to spotlight its enduring impact and cultural significance in filmmaking.”
The American Pavilion has partnered with Visit California, the California Film Commission, and IndieWire for the event. IndieWire will program a keynote address dedicated to “The Future of Filmmaking in California: Innovation, Creativity, and Global Impact.” The discussion will center around California’s evolving role in the industry, with topics including the intersection of technology and storytelling, the state’s position as a creative epicenter, and the importance of sustainability in production. Additional panels will examine Hollywood’s role in the global entertainment landscape, as well as discussions on technology and the future of film production in California. Speaker details will be announced in the coming weeks, organizers say. The 2025 Cannes Film Festival runs May 13-24.
Adds Caroline Beteta, Visit California president and CEO: “Cinephiles from around the world dream of visiting the scenes from their favorite films, and California is the ultimate playground for filmmakers. We’re thrilled to celebrate California’s abundance of backdrops at the iconic Cannes Film Festival, reinforcing that Hollywood is the epicenter of the entertainment world, and a critical economic cornerstone for our state that needs continued support to remain competitive on the global stage.”
The American Pavilion is best known as the Cannes home to the Roger Ebert Conference Series, featuring panel discussions with filmmakers and industry leaders, as well as the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase, the Culinary Program, and the Worldwide Student Program. With its panoramic views of the Riviera and various amenities, the space is also a popular meeting point for industry professionals networking throughout the Cannes festival.
The American Pavilion is owned by Penske Media, the parent company of The Hollywood Reporter.