France has unveiled a sweeping initiative aimed at protecting independent filmmaking on a global scale. The International Resilience Initiative for Independent Screens, known as IRIS, was announced Monday at the Lumiere Summit in France and has already garnered support from prominent directors including Richard Linklater, Jane Campion, Pedro Almodóvar, and Jia Zhang-ke. The program represents France’s commitment to addressing challenges facing independently financed films across the world.
IRIS focuses on bolstering the distribution and exhibition networks that enable diverse cinema to reach audiences. According to summit materials, while film production can relocate to different regions, the infrastructure supporting independent cinema relies on locally established institutions that receive significantly less funding than production itself. The initiative aims to bridge this gap by combining financial resources, professional expertise, and advocacy to strengthen connections between filmmakers, nonprofit organizations, and investors in the independent sector.
Complementing IRIS is the Lumiere Alliance, a framework connecting state film commissions and public bodies worldwide that support cinema. The alliance will convene twice yearly, with gatherings planned around major film festivals and rotating host countries. French President Emmanuel Macron plans to continue promoting these efforts at a September gathering in New York, emphasizing the cultural and social importance of cinema beyond its economic value.
Originally reported by Variety →
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