How do I get accreditation at the Cannes Film festival?

Accreditation at the Cannes Film festival is the holy grail in terms of movie business and fandom. Despite the fact that it has been running for decades, many people are still unsure about how to go about attending the market and/or screenings.

First of all, it’s important to remember that the Festival de Cannes is primarily a professional event, where producers, buyers, agents, actors and others come to do business. The screenings are for the benefit of the press, primarily.

If you are part of the business, I recommend going for the Film Market (Marché du Film) badge. It costs about €250 and gives you access to the market (obviously) as well as the many receptions, conferences and events. These are fantastic networking opportunities. You can also access screenings, but the red carpet screenings usually require specific invitations.

If you don’t want to or can’t obtain Film Market accreditation, here are the requirements for accreditation for the festival proper.

Accreditation at the Cannes Film festival

Festival accreditation is needed to access the Palais des Festivals and the Marché du Film. It  enables you to attend screenings, subject to conditions you receive after being accepted (ie, invitation-only).

Send your accreditation requests in time

Remember, the festival has been running for years. There is no reason to wait to send in applications – in fact, the earlier you apply the greater the chance of being able to book accommodation at a better price. This year, the deadline to make a request for accreditation is April 1st, 2013. Beyond this date, things can be complicated.

Accreditation requests sent later will be subject to severe restrictions: they will only be delivered on an highly exceptional basis upon presentation of supporting professional documents, and will be billed administrative handling costs.

How do you apply?

Accreditation requests are  made online and are examined by the competent body as determined by your business activity sector. The accrediting office you belong to sets its own registration criteria, so be sure to study them carefully. Each office has  only a limited number of accreditations to grant.

Because the Festival de Cannes is exclusively reserved for film industry professionals, if you do not belong to one of the categories below, your request will not be taken into consideration.

• Civil service, embassies
• Artistic Agent
• Press agent
• Writer, director, composer
• Lawyer, jurist
• Film library, archive, restoration
• Actor
• Film commission
• Distribution
• Film school
• Film music publishing
• Financial institution
• Exhibitor
• Film festival
• Technical industries
• Press/media: non journalists
• Press/media: journalists Production
• Film Publicist
• Film technician
• Video, DVD, VOD

The criteria for press (web, printed press, photographers, TV, radio) are very precise.

One last thing: if you are an early career producer, I strongly recommend checking the Producers’ Network, which offers special information and networking events.

Links for accreditations:

Festival de Cannes, 3, rue Amélie – F. 75007 PARIS _ TÉL. : 33(0)1 53 59 61 16 _ FAX : 33(0)1 53 59 61 17

Marché du Film/Film Market

Short Film Corner

Producers Network

If you just want to attend screenings, check this article.

For accommodation in Cannes, check here.