On May 15, The American Pavilion hosted a series of captivating events during the Cannes Festival, solidifying its reputation as the central hub for the American film community. Here are the key moments of the day.
11:00 AM | INDUSTRY IN FOCUS: PR PROS
The morning began with an in-depth discussion on public relations in the film industry. The panel, titled “Industry in Focus: PR Pros”, brought together experts in film publicity:
Emma Griffiths, President of EG PR
RJ Millard, President of Obscured Pictures
Arianne Rocchi, Partner at Arwin Ventures
Moderated by Sylvia Desrochers, Executive Vice President at MPRM Communications, the speakers shared their tips and insights, providing valuable perspectives on a field often misunderstood.
12:30 PM | IN CONVERSATION: BILLY ZANE
The afternoon was marked by an exclusive conversation with actor Billy Zane, known for his roles in iconic films such as Titanic, Twin Peaks, Back to the Future, and the Sniper franchise. Moderated by Matt Donnelly, Senior Entertainment & Media Writer at Variety, Zane talked about his memorable collaborations, iconic roles, and future projects, including Waltzing with Brando, which he produced and starred in, and his directorial debut, Hallway / Night.
A memorable quote from Zane: “You have two windows in the industry, one when you start and the other when you come back.”
2:00 PM | INDUSTRY IN FOCUS: MARKETING MAGICIANS
The afternoon continued with the panel “Industry in Focus: Marketing Magicians”, highlighting the importance of marketing campaigns in the success of a film. The speakers were:
Julie Fontaine, Fontaine Media Consulting
Karina Gechtman, VP International Marketing & Publicity, Anton
Valerie Van Galder, Marketing Consultant and Producer
Mounia Wissinger, SVP Global Marketing & Publicity, Protagonist Pictures
Moderated by Steven Weintraub, Editor-in-Chief of Collider, the panel explored successful marketing strategies and emerging trends.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | MEMBER COCKTAIL PARTY
The day concluded with a cocktail reception, providing American Pavilion members with an opportunity to network and discuss the day’s events in a relaxed atmosphere.
About The American Pavilion
The American Pavilion is the central hub for the American film community at Cannes. It offers memberships for professionals, immersive student programs, and a platform for enriching and provocative discussions, notably with the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase.
For more information, please visit: www.ampav.com
