Cannes Beach Soirée 2026

As part of the Cannes International Film Festival, the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, the Film and Media Foundation NRW, and the Production Alliance once again jointly hosted an official reception this year.

The Cannes Beach Soirée, held yesterday, Friday, May 15, at Plage Vilebrequin on the Croisette, brought together producers, filmmakers, international industry leaders, and political decision-makers to showcase North Rhine-Westphalia as a film and media hub on the international stage.

The focus of the discussions at the 2nd Cannes Beach Soirée was on exchange, networking, and new perspectives for international collaborations. The 300 guests were welcomed by Michelle Müntefering (CEO of Produktionsallianz) and Walid Nakschbandi (Managing Director of the Film and Media Foundation NRW).

With this joint event, the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW and Produktionsallianz, together with the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, underscored their close collaboration to strengthen Germany’s position as a film hub in the international context.

North Rhine-Westphalia is one of Germany’s most important filming and production locations and an attractive partner for international film productions. The Film- und Medienstiftung NRW is among the most active regional film funding agencies in Europe, while the state of North Rhine-Westphalia strengthens the creative media and film industry through targeted funding measures. The Produktionsallianz brings together and represents the interests of German producers, advocates for Germany as a film location, and promotes international exchange within the industry.

In addition, the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW is a partner and the organizer of the German Pavilion in Cannes, the central meeting place for the German film industry at the Marché du Film, the world’s largest film market.