I just got back from the Cannes Film Market 2025 (also known as the Marché du Film), and I want to share some straight talk about what really went down and what it means for indie filmmakers like us.
This was my 12th time in Cannes, so I’ve seen the shifts over the years—and this one was big.
Whether you’re thinking about raising money, selling your film, or just trying to understand where the market is headed, this recap will help you make smarter decisions.
Attendance Was Down—and That Matters
First thing I noticed? It was quieter this year. We estimated only about two-thirds of the usual attendees showed up.
That includes buyers, filmmakers, and sales agents. The Palais, where the market takes place, had way less foot traffic than in past years.
What does that mean for you?
Fewer buyers means fewer chances to make a deal.
If you’re planning to pitch or shop your film at a market like this, you need to know that the room just isn’t as full as it used to be.
Buyers Are Pickier and Spending Less
Here’s the second thing you need to know: buyers are being extremely selective.
In the past, a buyer might grab most of your new slate. But now they’ll cherry-pick only what they think will work, and they’re paying a lot less for it.
I’ve seen this trend growing, but it really hit hard this year.
For example, where a country like Germany might’ve paid $250K for a territory a few years ago, now it might be $25K.
That’s a huge drop. Not across the board, but common enough that it should make you think twice before setting big sales expectations.
Mid-Budget Films Are in Trouble
If your movie falls in that $1.5 million to $5 million range, you’re in the danger zone. These “middle-tier” films are struggling the most.
There just isn’t the same buyer demand for them, and the ones that do sell aren’t getting the kind of deals that justify those budgets.
It used to be that indie meant anything under $8 million.
Now, it feels more like $1 million and under is the real indie space, and studio films start at $30 million and up.
Everything in between? It’s falling through the cracks.
Why Micro-Budget Filmmaking Is the Future
So what’s the answer?
Micro-budget movies—done right—are the most viable path forward.
And I don’t just mean shooting something cheap.
I’m talking about making your movie look like it cost 10 times what it actually did.
If you can shoot a film for $100K (or even less) and make it look like a million bucks, you’ve got a shot at turning a profit.
That’s the formula I teach in Backyard Blockbuster, and it’s becoming more relevant than ever.
With the rise of AI tools, high-quality production value is getting more affordable. That’s giving filmmakers like us a real chance to compete without massive budgets.
Know the Market Before You Raise Money
One of the biggest mistakes I see filmmakers make is raising private equity without knowing the back end.
You’ve got to understand sales numbers.
You’ve got to know what the market is actually paying for movies like yours—right now, not five years ago.
Too many people raise funds based on hope. What you need is data. Market knowledge.
If you understand where the money’s coming from (or not coming from), you’ll make better choices—and protect your investors in the process.
Final Thoughts on the Cannes Film Market 2025
This year’s Cannes Film Market was a wake-up call. Lower attendance. Buyers pulling back. Mid-budget films fading. But also—new opportunities for those of us willing to adapt.
Micro-budget filmmaking, powered by smart tools and smart planning, is more than just a trend. It’s a strategy.
