In this episode of Publisher's Verdict, Eric Mika, Founder and Publisher of The Film Verdict, shares his viewpoint on the Cannes Film Festival, the 2025 edition of which kicks off just as this episode drops. There is no denying the importance of Cannes, as well as its prestige and glamour. The festival and its market remain vital to the global film industry. However, critical questions remain. Is the festival in step with the shifting dynamics of the international marketplace? Is it creating the right sense of community for filmmakers and industry professionals? And does its cultural cachet still carry the same weight that it once did?
Publisher's Verdict is a new series from TFV Network, where Eric Mika, Founder and Publisher of The Film Verdict, delves into the latest global developments, industry trends, and pressing issues shaping the world of film.
With over 30 years of industry experience, including roles as Publisher of The Hollywood Reporter, SVP at Nielsen Entertainment, and Head of Variety's international division, where he spearheaded its global expansion, Mika offers an insider's take from an outside viewpoint. A true globalist, he has lived in Rome, London, Paris, New York, and Los Angeles, and now splits his time between Los Angeles and Mexico, bringing a rare international perspective to the conversation.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(01:52) What's So Special About the Cannes Film Festival?
(04:58) Has Cannes Become a TikTok Festival?
(06:31) Has Cannes Lost Contact with Real Filmmakers?
(11:34) The Sense of Community at Cannes
(14:35) A Vital Festival for the Film Industry