The Power of Placepresented by The Association of Film Commissioners International

THE POWER OF PLACE

Where location, incentives, and execution align!

Details

Key Dates: 15-16 May 2026

Access: Marché du Film badge holders

Main Venue: The Viewpoint & Main Stage (Riviera)

Target Audience: Producers, Film Commissioners, and Industry Leaders


Contact:

Conferences

Presented by AFCI (Association of Film Commissioners International), The Power of Place brings together global producers, film commissioners, and policymakers for a curated series of conversations exploring how location, policy, and infrastructure shape the future of filmmaking.

As competition intensifies across territories, place plays an increasingly strategic role,  influencing where projects land, how they are structured, and how they are ultimately realized. Through a mix of conversations and targeted sessions, the program examines how projects move from creative ambition to execution, highlighting the strategic importance of incentives, local partnerships, and production ecosystems. From major international co-productions to stories produced beyond their country of origin, The Power of Place offers a practical and timely lens on how films are made in today’s production landscape.

As the global network representing film commissions worldwide, AFCI is uniquely positioned to convene this dialogue and connect industry leaders to new opportunities for collaboration. It provides a platform for policymakers, incentive architects, and producers to connect, share insights, and shape where and how the world’s content is made.

What to expect in 2026

The Power of Place, presented by AFCI, convenes global producers, film commissioners, and policymakers in a series of conversations exploring how location decisions shape production, and how incentives, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships support projects across borders.

The Power of Place: From Incentive to Execution | Presented by AFCI
15 May 2026, 11:30-12:30 | The Viewpoint
This session explores how producers work with film commissions to move projects from page to screen. Bringing together producers and commissioners, it examines how incentives, infrastructure, and local partnerships shape decision-making and execution. It also outlines key considerations for producers, including costs, vendor requirements, and elements beyond the incentive itself.

The Power of Place: Stories Without Borders | Presented by AFCI
15 May 2026, 15:00-16:00 | The Viewpoint
This session explores how filmmakers bring stories to life in places they cannot access. Through case studies and conversation, it examines the role of international co-productions, location strategy, and production design in recreating places and delivering authentic, place-based storytelling across borders.

The Power of Place: Made in Japan | Presented by AFCI
16 May 2026, 15:30-16:30 | Main Stage
Bringing together leading Japanese filmmakers, producers, and policymakers, this main stage conversation explores how creative vision and production infrastructure intersect. From local incentives to global partnerships, the panel examines how Japan is positioning itself as a dynamic hub for international production.

We are proud AFCI will play a significant role at the Marché du Film – Festival De Cannes this year to put a spotlight on the vital role film commissioners play within the production industry. Our expanded presence at Cannes underscores AFCI’s important role in the global screen sector.

— Jaclyn Philpott, AFCI Executive Director

 

The rise of film location importance is a growing topic and becoming a key focus within our industry. Our collaboration with AFCI, starting with this year’s summit, is the start of a growing partnership. As film commissions become increasingly crucial to getting productions off the ground, we look forward to supporting AFCI’s future ventures and encouraging this dialogue and growth at future market editions.

— Guillaume Esmiol, Executive Director of the Marché du Film Director