Yes She Cannes has concluded its “strongest Cannes Film Festival to date”, bringing together 140 members from 25 countries and delivering its “most extensive programme of official industry activity since the organisation was founded in 2018”.
This year’s edition saw YSC contribute to official Marché du Film programming through the Main Stage conference programme and genre hub, the Fantastic Pavilion, while strengthening international collaborations that will “support members long after the festival”.
Founded by filmmaker Faith Elizabeth, Yes She Cannes was created to help women attending the Cannes Film Festival “navigate one of the world’s most influential film markets with greater clarity, connection, and confidence”.
Since its launch, the community has expanded internationally, connecting filmmakers, producers, executives, financiers, entrepreneurs, and creatives through collaboration, professional development, and industry access.
A highlight of the 2026 programme was Women in Film: Building Collective Power – How Women Across the Industry Shape Influence in Film, presented on the Main Stage of the Marché du Film in partnership with Entertainment to Affect Change (E2AC).
Moderated by Elizabeth, the discussion brought together Academy Award-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor (Founder, Women in Film India; CEO, Sikhya Entertainment), Amanda Toney (Managing director, Stage 32), Maria Hundsnes-Shevtsova (Co-founder and vice president, DISAUTHORITY), and Sara Hamilton (Head of global partnerships & impact strategy, Entertainment to Affect Change x Greenlit) to explore how collaboration, education, leadership, and strategic partnerships are shaping the future of the global screen industries.
YSC also partnered with Fantastic Pavillion, the Marché du Film’s genre initiative, to present Women in Genre: Shaping Careers, Opening Doors & Building Power, featuring Heidi Honeycutt (Bloodstream TV & Etheria Film Festival), Sapna Bhavnani (Wench Film Festival), Lee Lawson (SWSX Jury Prize winner of Man Eating P*ssy), Joanne Mitchell (Director of Frightfest opening film Broken Bird), and Natasha Halevi (Actress in James Gunn’s Superman and director of anthology Give Me An A).
The panel, moderated by Elizabeth, explored authorship, visibility, international collaboration, and the growing influence of women working across genre filmmaking.
Both sessions attracted capacity audiences and were streamed through the Marché du Film’s official channels, expanding the conversation far beyond Cannes to a global audience of film professionals.
Beyond its public programme, YSC delivered workshops, networking events, private member gatherings, expert sessions, and industry conversations throughout Cannes, creating opportunities for members to build professional relationships across disciplines, sectors, and international markets.
The festival also marked the launch of new collaborations with Stage 32 and the London Rolling Film Festival, extending opportunities for members through education, networking, and industry initiatives beyond Cannes.
“Yes She Cannes was founded on a simple belief: when women have access to the right people, the right knowledge, and the right opportunities, careers change,” said Elizabeth, founder and CEO of Yes She Cannes.
“This year’s programme demonstrated what collective power looks like in practice. New collaborations were formed, new partnerships were launched, and conversations that began in Cannes are already continuing across the international film community.”
Building on the momentum of Cannes 2026, Yes She Cannes will continue expanding its international partnerships, educational initiatives, and collaborative programmes, strengthening opportunities for its members throughout the year.
Further announcements, including new leadership appointments and international initiatives, will be made in the coming weeks.
