We're returning this year for the 79th Cannes Film Festival, one of the most important celebrations of cinema in the annual festival calendar.
Running Tuesday 12 – Saturday 23 May, the festival presents a unique opportunity to meet with the international film industry and promote Scotland’s exceptional locations, world-class talent, crew, facilities, funding and services.
On this page, learn about the screenings and events we’re a part of, as well as how to meet with Screen Scotland at Cannes.
Our 2026 Brochure
Download the Screen Scotland Cannes 2026 Brochure (PDF opens in new window) to learn more about recent and upcoming productions supported by Screen Scotland, and watch our new showreel.
Screenings
Docs-in-progress Scotland Showcase
This year we're once again collaborating with Scottish Documentary Institute (SDI) on a special Scotland Showcase as part of Cannes Docs. We'll be presenting four bold, thought-provoking, and ambitious feature documentaries at the Showcase, amplifying the world-class documentary filmmaking coming out of Scotland.
Location: Riviera H4
Date: Friday 15 May 2026, 11.45am - 1pm
The Story of Documentary
The Story of Documentary Film (The 1970s), part of a new series by Mark Cousins and Hopscotch Films, will screen in the Cannes Classics strand.
Great 8 Showcase
Scottish talent has once again been recognised at Cannes, with Screen Scotland-supported film Black Church Bay and Scotland-based producer Tom Nicoll's Salvation both included in this year's Great 8 showcase.
In preparation for the Marché, unseen footage from all of the titles was introduced by their filmmakers and screened online exclusively to buyers and festival programmers, with the features then available to buyers during the Cannes Marché (12–20 May).
Events
Mark Cousins in Conversation
Filmmaker Mark Cousins will be taking part in a special presentation on The Story of Documentary Film. With the 1970s episode premiering in Cannes Classics this year, Mark Cousins will be In Conversation with BFI Festivals Artistic Director, Kristy Matheson to celebrate the story of British documentary.
Location: UK Pavilion 122, Marché du Film, Cannes
Date and time: Saturday 16 May, 2 - 3pm (CET)
The Post & VFX Playbook: Using the UK incentives to maximise creativity
Colin Kennedy from Glasgow-based post-production and visual effects house FIX FX will be speaking at this event, which aims to help demystify the post process and help you unpack how to access the UK's generous Audio-Visual Expenditure Credits for post and VFX spend.
Location: UK Pavilion 122, Marché du Film, Cannes
Date and time: Sunday 17 May, 9.30 - 11am (CET)
BFI Panel on the Cultural Value of Film
Screen Scotland’s Isabel Davis will take part in this session, which will explore how supporting a diverse range of films can help to reflect on our times and tell accessible and representative stories which benefit society. The talk will also address how cultural memory preserved by film contributes to broadening our understanding of different communities and societies, and how film festivals offer a space where a diversity of voices are showcased and amplified.
Location: Palais Stage, Marché du Film, Cannes
Date and time: Sunday 17 May, 2.30 - 3.30pm (CET)
Filmmakers at Cannes
Find out more about the Scotland-based filmmakers attending this year's festival.
Meet with Screen Scotland
Members of our expert team will be on the ground at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Find us at the UK Pavilion 122 in the International Village during the Marché du Film, from 14 - 19 May.
The Screen Scotland team in attendance
Isabel Davis, Executive Director
Cheryl Conway, Head of Screen Commission
Steven Little, Head of Production
Sarah Smyth, International Distribution and Commercial Development Officer
Kieran Hannigan, Head of Scripted
Dani Carlaw, Head of Unscripted
Mark Thomas, Screen Officer - Unscripted
To contact our team to arrange a meeting, or to let us know you are heading to Cannes, please email [email protected]