The only market in the world dedicated to restoring and promoting Heritage Films, International Classic Film Market (MIFC) will return to Lyon along with the Lumière Film Festival for the Lumière Film Festival, which is set to attract a record number of participants.
“All of our metrics have been up from the perspective of both newcomers and international participants,” co-head Annas Desley told Variety.
The three guests of honor highlight the festival’s global reach. Iron Mountain’s Vice President of Media and Archive Services, YouTube’s French Chief Justin Reist and new head of the French Film Committee CNC.
Another indication of the market growth industry’s pull comes from UK-based Park Circus, which will be participating as an official partner this year. The company handles the global distribution of heritage titles in major US studios and UK and European libraries. CEO Douglas Davis will be taking part in Studiocanal’s Pauline Saint-Hilaire and Mk2 Films’ Benoit Claro to hold a roundtable on the construction of Heritage Film’s international distribution strategy.
Technology remains a hot topic, particularly the use of AI in the preservation and repair of classic films, with this year focusing on subtitles and dubbing. This discussion brings together Vectracom, a startup specializing in so-called “emotional subtitles,” and Font’s heritage film protection device, which is the representative of translators.
“No one at the table is opposed to progress, but the real challenge is to ensure that this innovation is qualifying in the entire ecosystem,” Desrieux said. Co-head Gerrard Ducaussoy said, “Subtitles are not neutral. Subtitles are creative activities that shape the way films are understood.”
New tools will be exhibited at Classics Innovation Corner. The tool introduces the technology from startups such as Phont, AI-powered search and licensing platform Refractio, and Distributor-oriented CN Film.
Another important theme is the growing role of streaming services in Heritage Cinema distribution. Ryst must certainly address this as YouTube’s 20th anniversary.
“YouTube has a great heritage offer with access to films, archives and programs dedicated to classic films, and content creators that will attract a whole new audience,” says Duchaussoy.
The case study will soon introduce the new merger of French streamers Universiné and Filmo, Heritage Film Platform Lacinetek, and entertainment site Allociné Classique, which has launched its own dedicated service. “Thanks to these platforms, films are not just being preserved, they’re being reintroduced to audiences in the digital age,” Desrieux said.
From digital strategies to face-to-face trading, circulation remains a priority for organizers, with initiatives like the Re>Birth Program, which is currently popular in the third edition. The showcase will be followed by a one-on-one meeting aimed at triggering a deal after searching for a repair partner in a recently restored title or 10-minute session carrying the Lumière Classics label.
Hungary offers an inspiring example as a nation of honor thanks to its powerful track records of preservation and distribution through events such as the Budapest Classic Film Marathon. MIFC is among the guests György Rráduly, head of Hungary’s national film archives.
Other highlights include the discussion of the new Agoraeu programme, European audiovisual heritage policy, and the power of curated retrospectives. In honor of Martin Ritt and Konrad Wolf this year, it shows how the restoration will promote a second life in theaters, festivals and festivals on television and platforms. AFCAE, the French Association of Art House Exhibitors, celebrates its 70th anniversary, explores the future of classic films on the big screen.
As always, there are staple sessions in the market, ranging from catalog holder previews to distributor lineups and dedicated events for exhibitors.
African Cinema will be in the spotlight with the showcase of its new podcast series, “Cineastes d’Afrique,” which celebrates the pioneering African filmmaking.
Looking to the future, the new European Student Workshop brings together around 40 students from six universities to collaborate with experts in the heritage field. “We want to help build the next generation that will shape the future of our sector,” Desrieux said.
For Duchaussoy, the workshop reflects the broader mission of the market. “Heritage Cinema isn’t just about looking back,” he said. “It’s about imagining the future with new experts, new technology and new audiences.”
As Desrieux summed up, “Our goal is to give the heritage sector a stronger international framework and profile. It means connecting players, questioning our practices, and creating real business opportunities in terms of the distribution of classic films.”
MIFC will run in Lyon from October 14th to October. 17.
