IndieWire’s Future of Filmmaking Returns to Cannes, Presented by United for Business

IndieWire and United will partner on four days of career-focused programming at the American Pavilion from May 15-18.

IndieWire and United for Business are partnering again to bring Future of Filmmaking back to the American Pavilion at Cannes. The second annual summit, which will take place from May 15-18 and is open to all American Pavilion members, will feature conversations with filmmakers and industry leaders moderated by IndieWire editors aimed at helping you navigate your film career in the 2020s.

The annual Future of Filmmaking keynote will feature Tim Heidecker in a conversation with IndieWire editor-in-chief Dana Harris-Bridson about his multi-disciplinary career and his new stewardship of the InfoWars brand for The Onion. Other highlights include a deep dive into the indie success story behind “Undertone” and conversations about the future of financing, distribution, and film festivals.

The complete schedule of programming presented by United for Business can be found below. Anyone interested in attending the events can purchase American Pavilion membership here. Note that Cannes festival accreditation is required for access to the Pavilion.

United’s shared purpose is “Connecting People. Uniting the World.” United offers the most diversified international route network among US airlines based on the number of international destinations served and is proud to offer a specialized travel product designed for the entertainment industry. United for Business comes with everything that will keep your production moving forward – reduced airfare, special rates for equipment, custom booking options, airport escort services and a dedicated entertainment support desk. For more information about United visit www.united.com and to learn more about United for Business visit https://www.united.business/. 

Friday, May 15

11:30 AM – The New Models of Financing

The old rules for financing independent films are being rewritten. From IP-backed funding and audience-driven models to new structures for independent producers, a new generation of financiers and filmmakers is finding creative ways to get projects made outside the traditional studio system. Join this conversation for a practical, forward-looking look at where the money is coming from – and what it means for the films being made.

• Tanu-Matti Tuominen, IPR.VC, Co-Founder and Partner
• Mark Sourian, President of Production, 5&2 Studios
• Crystine Zhang, Oval 5, Owner, Producer, Financier
• Moderated by Dana Harris-Bridson,  IndieWire, SVP and Editor in Chief

Saturday, May 16

11:00 AM – Keynote Conversation: Tim Heidecker

Comedian, actor, producer, and musician Tim Heidecker (Tim & Eric Awesome Show, Bridesmaids, Moonbase 8) joins IndieWire Editor in Chief Dana Harris-Bridson for an intimate keynote conversation — fresh off taking the helm as Creative Director of The Onion’s InfoWars, and just ahead of the Cannes premiere of his new film Full Phil.

2:00 PM – Case Study: Undertone

How do you make a $500K horror film and land at A24? This focused case study unpacks the mechanics behind Undertone – from its sound-driven creative constraints and festival launch to its breakout acquisition. Daril Fannin of KINO and Chad Archibald of Black Fawn Films break down the decisions that made it work: the budget strategy, how the film was positioned for buyers, and what’s replicable for independent filmmakers navigating today’s market.

Moderated by Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, SVP & Editor in Chief

Sunday, May 17

4:00 PM – The Future of Distribution: Finding Your Audience

Theatrical windows, streaming gatekeepers, algorithmic feeds — the traditional path to audiences is getting harder to navigate, and more filmmakers are charting their own course. This conversation brings together innovators reshaping how independent films find their audiences, from community screening platforms and arthouse networks to direct acquisition models. A practical, forward-looking conversation for any filmmaker thinking seriously about distribution strategy.

• Konstantinos Gozos, Gathr 
• Darcy Heusel, Outside, Founder
• Leo Matchett, Decentralized Pictures, Co-Founder & CEO
• Lela Meadow-Connor, Art House Convergence, Interim Executive Director 
• Yira Vilaro,  Pijama, Director of Acquisitions
• Moderated by: Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, SVP & Editor in Chief

Monday, May 18

2:00 PM – The Future of Film Festivals

Sundance. Telluride. New York. Berlin. Four of the world’s most influential film festivals, one conversation. As distribution pipelines narrow and the theatrical landscape shifts, festivals have become more critical than ever — not just as launching pads, but as lifelines for independent cinema. The leaders shaping these institutions come together to discuss what festivals owe filmmakers, how they’re evolving to meet the moment, and what the future holds.

• Daniel Battsek, Film at Lincoln Center, President (New York Film Festival)
• Eugene Hernandez, Sundance Film Festival, Director
• Julie Huntsinger, Telluride Film Festival, Executive Director
• Tricia Tuttle, Berlin International Film Festival, Director
• Moderated by Anne Thompson, IndieWire, Editor at Large