The Film Office-Central Macedonia participated once again this year in the Marché du Film of the 79th Cannes International Film Festival (May 12-23, 2026), one of the world’s leading marketplaces for audiovisual creation.

This marks the fifth consecutive year that the Film Office Central Macedonia has taken part in the Marché du Film, hosted within the pavilion of Greece in Cannes. The delegation also attended the flagship event of the Greek film mission, titled “Producing and filming with/in Greece.” This open panel discussion on film productions in Greece was co-organized by the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Centre (EKKOMED) and the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, in collaboration with the prominent film industry magazine, Variety.

“The steady presence of the Region of Central Macedonia, through its Film Office, at the Marché du Film—the professional market of the Festival de Cannes—is part of our broader strategic planning for extroversion, international networking, and strengthening our region’s recognition as a competitive filming destination,” emphasized the Vice Governor for Tourism of the Region of Central Macedonia, Mrs Vicky Hatzivassiliou. “In alignment with the national strategy for the development of audiovisual creation, we are investing in our participation within Greece’s national mission at major international film markets. Our goal is to showcase Central Macedonia’s potential in the film tourism sector, highlight our region’s comparative advantages, and simultaneously create new opportunities for its international promotion“, added Mrs Hatzivassiliou.

Targeted B2B meetings and strategic positioning

During the market, the Film Office Central Macedonia team conducted a series of targeted business-to-business (B2B) meetings with audiovisual companies and industry professionals. The primary objectives were promoting Central Macedonia as a competitive destination for audiovisual productions, as well as securing collaborations for training and professional development programs for the local industry talent.

Additionally, during this year’s participation in the Marché du Film, contacts were established with major international film markets and organizations, such as the American Film Market (USA) and the Egyptian Media and Production Hub through Egypt Film Commission (Egypt).

At the same time, the Film Office Central Macedonia continued its systematic participation in the networking activities of the EUFCN (European Film Commissions Network). This further strengthens its institutional presence at a European level through participation in briefing sessions on regional financial incentives and innovative development tools designed to establish regions as hubs for attracting and supporting audiovisual creation.