15/05/2017 - CANNES NEXT: The fourth edition of the innovative hub that takes place during Cannes has unveiled its programme

The world’s most innovative hub is about to return to the Cannes Film Market for the fourth time. For the first five days of the festival (17-21 May), NEXT is the place to be for anyone who wishes to venture beyond today’s cinema formats and explore what the future may bring. This year, the innovation goes even further, as NEXT will be transformed into the world’s first virtual-reality film market.

NEXT is also moving to the festival’s heart, at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, level -1, aisle 14. The high number of exhibitors is notable once again this year, but NEXT’s strength still lies in the space it dedicates to meetings, conferences and the screenings of an impressive line-up of titles that cover all aspects of virtual-reality film production.

Film Market badge holders will have a unique opportunity to explore the VR landscape in three different ways. They can start by stopping by at some of the exhibitors’ booths, where they will also be able to converse with true experts in these new formats. For the full collective cinematographic experience, the NEXT VR Theatre is also available for a limited audience of 30 people per screening, with six screenings per day of a themed selection of films. Finally, for those who prefer the on-demand option, NEXT’s VR Video Library will screen three new films every day at each of the three pop-up stations, which also offer an interactive, full-body experience. There is also the possibility to follow a session with VR goggles and a selection of almost 80 films from different directors and, of course, NEXT exhibitors.

A series of specialised sessions will also be held in NEXT’s exclusive conference room. Every day, industry professionals, keynote speakers, directors, creators and executives will discuss and analyse the future of cinema, diversity in storytelling, and the challenges and opportunities for financial growth that the new aspects of virtual reality present to the industry. Jérôme Paillard, executive director of the Film Market, emphasises: “We are very excited to extend our market activity to VR this year. Our aim is to offer a real opportunity to VR to grow into the film industry and encourage a proper exchange with professionals.”

The exhibitors that will participate in NEXT’s fourth edition are: Cineuropa, &Samhoud Media, B3 Biennial of the Moving Image, Captiz, Dontneedroads (Opside.co), French View, Génération Numérique (Screen4All), Geneva International Film Festival, Indiecam, Kaemo, Lytro, MANND, MEI Group, Miriquidifilm, MyRole, Penrose Studios, Setkeeper-Melusyn, VRrOOm, Wide (ADEF) and Within.

You can find this year’s full NEXT schedule here.