Why is Cannes such a pivotal event for the film industry?
Claire-Hélène Massot: Cannes is a unique hub, both a celebration of cinema and a global market. What actually happens in the film market is often invisible to the general public: in just a few days, a film can secure distribution deals across multiple countries, confirm pre-sales that help finance future productions, and pave the way for international co-productions...
For the producers we work with, the immediate impact is clear. I've seen films whose trajectory changed completely after a screening on the Croisette, projects that had struggled to secure distributors but, after Cannes, received offers from around the world. That is the unique power of the Festival!
How does your Department choose the projects it supports?
It all starts with a meeting: a producer coming to us with a story, a team and a vision. We have been supporting the film industry for over 100 years – since 1917 - and this long-standing commitment has enabled us to develop unique sector expertise, closely aligned with the realities of the industry. Our Media Department – comprising the Image & Media Business Center and specialist subsidiaries Cofiloisirs and Cinécapital - is structured to support projects of every scale, regardless of their size, country of origin or ambition.
This year in Cannes, that commitment is clearly reflected in films competing for the Palme d'Or, such as "Garance" by Jeanne Herry, "Moulin" by László Nemes, "A man of his time" by Emmanuel Marre and "Minotaur" by Andreï Zviaguintsev, as well as debut features like "In Waves" by director Phuong Mai Nguyen, presented as the opening film of the Semaine de la Critique.
We are involved at every stage of the process: from development through to theatrical release, from first feature films to international co-productions. What truly sets us apart is our ability to become involved at an early stage of a project. We do not simply finance films; we build long-term relationships with industry professionals who rely on our expertise to bring their ambitious projects to life. And when those films are selected for the Cannes Film Festival, it confirms that this collective commitment, often made years earlier, was the right one.
What does it actually mean to be the "Bank of Cinema"?
It means being there and staying there, even when times are difficult, supporting the entire film value chain with dedicated expertise, helping films to be made and reach their audience. But it can also bring moments of deep personal and professional pride.
I'm thinking in particular of "Triangle of Sadness" by Ruben Östlund, which won the Palme d'Or in 2022, and received financing support from Cofiloisirs. We believed in the project several years before its selection in Cannes, at a time when few people could have imagined the success it would go on to achieve. Seeing a film we supported walk up the steps of the Palais and win the Palme d'Or is what gives meaning to our work. Being the Bank of cinema is not simply about financing films; it is about believing in ambitious and sometimes risky projects, committing for the long-term, and remaining convinced that culture is an investment that benefits everyone.
As the Bank of Cinema, our role is not just about financing films: it means believing in ambitious and sometimes risky projects, committing for the long term alongside the people shaping the cinema of today and tomorrow, and remaining convinced that culture is an investment that benefits everyone.
Key figures: BNP Paribas and film financing
films financed by BNP Paribas
presented at Cannes in 2026, across all sections
of films produced in France
financed by BNP Paribas in 2025, through the Image & Media Department
experts
dedicated to film financing in Europe within the Group
On the Croisette: "La Bataille de Gaulle", where cinema meets national memory
Among the films supported by the Group this year, the first installment of "La Bataille de Gaulle", directed by Antonin Baudry, stands out as one of the Festival's highlights. Screened out of the Competition at the Festival, this two-part historical film, which is set to be released in French cinemas from June, explores a major figure in French history.
As the film's main partner, BNP Paribas contributed to its financing through its Image and Media Business Center: a strong commitment that reflects BNP Paribas' mission to help preserve and pass on our cultural heritage. It is a project that is both artistically ambitious and culturally significant.
La Bataille de Gaulle: L'âge de fer, by Antonin Baudry, screened out of the competition at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
BNP Paribas in Cannes 2026, at a glance
- BNP Paribas is Europe's leading banking partner to the film industry: in 2025, the Group helped finance more than half of all films produced in France, through its Image and Media Business Center, and the specialised subsidiaries Cofiloisirs and Cinécapital.
- In 2026, 33 films financed by the Group will be screened across all sections at the Cannes Film Festival, from the official competition to the Festival's parallel sections. Among them: arthouse films ("Garance", "Crescendo" and "The Unknown"), international productions ("Parallel Tales" and "Minotaur"), films with a powerful message ("A Girl's story", "Moulin" and "A man of his time"), debut films ("In Waves" and "Mauvaise Étoile") and major productions ("La Bataille de Gaulle : L’âge de fer").
- Supporting the next generation of filmakers: as a partner of the Directors’ Fortnight and the Semaine de la Critique, BNP Paribas is inviting nearly 600 fans to attend preview screenings of the 2026 selection in Cannes, and in 30 towns and cities across France during the The Fortnight Extended in June. The Group also supports the 'Next step' programme as part of the Semaine de la Critique.
- Fostering dialogue between industry professionals and creators: on the BNP Paribas terrace, a series of events will be held exploring a range of topics, including sustainable production in partnership with the CNC, the creator economy, and entrepreneurship.
