France has unveiled the IRIS initiative to support independent cinema, backed by top global filmmakers, at the Lumiere Summit.
On September 7, 2026, the French government announced the launch of the International Resilience Initiative for Independent Screens (IRIS) at the Lumiere Summit in France. This initiative has garnered the support of renowned filmmakers including Richard Linklater, Jane Campion, and Pedro Almodóvar, who are participating to enhance support for the global independent film sector.
The IRIS initiative aims to address challenges faced by independently financed films worldwide. According to Variety, the French government's objective is to "protect, strengthen, and connect the cinemas, distributors, and nonprofit networks that make film diversity possible." The initiative is designed to improve the circulation of independent films, particularly in regions where local cinema is vulnerable or at risk.
The IRIS initiative is part of a broader multilateral push by France to influence the global film market, as highlighted by the summit. Other significant announcements include the formation of the Lumiere Alliance, an international coalition of state film commissions designed to support and advocate for cinema. The initiative is expected to attract pledges of support from various countries to further bolster independent filmmaking efforts.
Prominent filmmakers have signed on to serve on the IRIS international council, including acclaimed figures like Agnieszka Holland, Wim Wenders, and Tilda Swinton. Their involvement underscores the collaborative effort to enhance the distribution and exhibition of independent films. This diverse representation from various cinematic backgrounds is essential in fostering a robust independent film culture.
The initiative seeks to form strong connections between filmmakers and entities—nonprofits, state commissions, and private investors—that fund independent cinema. French officials noted that while film production can sometimes relocate, independent distribution and exhibition rely heavily on local institutions, which often receive inadequate support compared to film production.
The goals set forth in the IRIS initiative directly respond to concerns that the ecosystem for independent film distribution is weakening, even as audiences express a renewed interest in independent cinema. The summit materials articulated a plan for the initiative to provide emergency funding, expertise, and international support for independent cinemas and distributors. Moreover, establishing a safety net for the viability of independent films globally is a priority for the French government.
Efforts to include film education and appreciation are part of the IRIS mission, aiming to engage new generations with diverse films, which is crucial for building future audiences for independent cinema.
Following the launch, French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to host a gathering in New York on September 22 to discuss the IRIS initiative further. The establishment of the Lumiere Alliance will also see biannual meetings, with one event aligned with the Cannes Film Festival and another hosted in a different country each year, expanding the coalition's reach and collaborative potential.
The launch of the IRIS initiative signifies a pivotal moment for independent filmmakers on a global scale. By advocating for better support systems and collaborations, France aims to ensure a thriving landscape for diverse cinematic voices. This initiative not only pushes for immediate action but also emphasizes the importance of sustaining the fabric of independent cinema for generations to come.
For more insights on the summit and related topics, check out Emmanuel Macron Urges Global Film Protection Initiatives at Lumiere Summit and Toho Europe Launches New Branch in France at Lumière Summit.
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