A First-Timer’s Guide to the Cannes Film Festival

In this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins reports live from the 2025 Cannes Film Festival alongside a vibrant panel of first-time attendees. Filmmakers Stephen Cedars and Benji Kleiman, and producer Lexi Tannenholtz reflect on the chaos, surprises, and serendipity of navigating Cannes for the first time. From deciphering the market to running into unexpected industry contacts, they explore the overwhelming yet exhilarating world of one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. This episode is packed with practical advice for emerging filmmakers hoping to make the most of a trip to Cannes.In this episode, we discuss:What it means to “have a movie” at Cannes and the nuances between screening, sales, and market presenceHow the Cannes Film Festival is actually multiple events in one—red carpets, markets, pavilions, and moreThe unique experience of The Marché du Film and what it teaches about global film distributionSerendipitous encounters and the power of just showing up prepared and open to connectionThe social dynamics of the festival and why dressing the part can be as important as showing upTips for navigating Cannes for first-timers—from parties to planning to staying presentThe balance between networking and being respectful in professional interactionsGuests:Stephen CedarsBenji KleimanLexi TannenholtzSubscribe to the No Film School Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogleGet your question answered on the podcast by emailing podcast@nofilmschool.com Listen to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here: This episode of The No Film School Podcast was produced by GG Hawkins.

May 28, 2025 - 08:55

A First-Timer’s Guide to the Cannes Film Festival

In this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins reports live from the 2025 Cannes Film Festival alongside a vibrant panel of first-time attendees. Filmmakers Stephen Cedars and Benji Kleiman, and producer Lexi Tannenholtz reflect on the chaos, surprises, and serendipity of navigating Cannes for the first time. From deciphering the market to running into unexpected industry contacts, they explore the overwhelming yet exhilarating world of one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. This episode is packed with practical advice for emerging filmmakers hoping to make the most of a trip to Cannes.

In this episode, we discuss:

What it means to “have a movie” at Cannes and the nuances between screening, sales, and market presence
How the Cannes Film Festival is actually multiple events in one—red carpets, markets, pavilions, and more
The unique experience of The Marché du Film and what it teaches about global film distribution
Serendipitous encounters and the power of just showing up prepared and open to connection
The social dynamics of the festival and why dressing the part can be as important as showing up
Tips for navigating Cannes for first-timers—from parties to planning to staying present
The balance between networking and being respectful in professional interactions

Guests:

Subscribe to the No Film School Podcast on:

Get your question answered on the podcast by emailing podcast@nofilmschool.com

Listen to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here:

_{This episode of The No Film School Podcast was produced by GG Hawkins.}