Fantastic Pavilion: Genre Cinema's Cannes Hub Expands

The Fantastic Pavilion is expanding its influence as a premier global destination for genre cinema at Cannes's Marché du Film. For its fourth edition, the Pavilion is introducing significant new initiatives and partnerships to enhance its role as a convergence point for the international fantastic film community.

A key addition for 2026 is the Fantastic Pavilion Vertical Cinema Showcase. This new section will highlight emerging mobile-first storytelling formats and short-form genre content, recognizing the shift towards digital platforms and phone-first viewing habits. The showcase will feature horror, fantasy, and science-fiction projects designed specifically for vertical 9:16 viewing.

This expansion into vertical content aims to connect a new generation of creators experimenting with mobile-native storytelling with producers and distributors. It also reflects the Pavilion's growing international alliances, including new collaborations with Latin American film festivals and markets, strengthening pathways for regional talent.

Beyond new showcases, the Pavilion continues to foster a year-round business ecosystem. The Concierge by the Fantastic Pavilion service will offer year-round support to collaborators and clients. Returning events include the Genre IP Showcase, focusing on remake and adaptation opportunities, and the Fantastic Round Robin, connecting emerging genre projects with international industry professionals.