Dear Members,
At the 2026 edition of Unifrance Rendez-vous with French Cinema, French In Motion, in partnership with The Gotham Film & Media Institute present a free panel discussion: New Voices in Cinema: Producing a Filmmaker’s Debut in France and the United States
This panel brings together trailblazing film producers from France and
The United States to explore how producing first and second feature films raises shared challenges, including access to financing, risk management, and the balance between creative ambition and market expectations. While France relies on robust public funding and institutional support, the U.S. system is more market-driven, offering greater flexibility but fewer safety nets.
By comparing these approaches, this conversation examines questions of sustainability, talent development, and the role producers play in backing emerging filmmakers within distinct economic and cultural contexts.
WITH:
• @Julie Billy, Producer of The Little Sister (Cannes 2025),
Gagarine (Rendez-Vous With French Cinema 2021), The Lobster (Cannes 2015)
• @Pauline Loquès, Director of Nino (Cannes 2025, Toronto 2025,
Rendez-Vous With French Cinema 2026)
• @Leah Chen Baker, Producer of The President’s Cake (Cannes 2025)
• @Stephanie Rousch, Producer of Stress Positions (Sundance 2024,
New Directors/New Films 2024) and Union County (Sundance 2026)
MODERATED BY:
@Cynthia Kane, Producer of The Dilemma of Desire (SXSW 2020), Us Kids (Sundance 2020) & Treasurer of French in Motion
When: Saturday, March 7 — 3:30 pm
Where: Film at Lincoln Center
Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center Amphitheater - 144 West 65th Street — New York
Followed by a cocktail offered to all attendees, in the green room.
This event is sponsored by Maison de l'Occitanie à New York and Angelina Paris USA.
RSVP: Due to limited capacity, this invitation admits one on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mandatory RSVP by Monday, March 4 via this link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/rendez-vous-with-french-cinema