Lyon's Classic Film Market Sees Record Growth

Lyon’s Classic Film Market Sees Record Growth

The International Classic Film Market (MIFC) in Lyon is set to achieve record growth as it returns for its 13th edition alongside the Lumière Film Festival. This year’s event, dedicated to the restoration and promotion of heritage films, is attracting an unprecedented number of attendees, reflecting the market’s expanding influence in the film industry.

According to co-head Anaïs Desrieux, all indicators point to significant growth, including an influx of international and first-time participants. The festival’s international scope is further highlighted by the presence of distinguished guests such as Andrea Kalas, VP of Media and Archival Services at Iron Mountain, Justine Ryst, YouTube’s France chief, and Gaëtan Bruel, the new head of France’s film board CNC.

The market’s growing industry influence is evident with the addition of Park Circus, a U.K.-based company specializing in the global distribution of heritage titles for major U.S. studios and European libraries. CEO Douglas Davis will participate in a roundtable discussion on international distribution strategies for heritage films, joined by Studiocanal’s Pauline Saint-Hilaire and Mk2 Films’ Benoit Claro.

AI and Technology in Film Preservation

A key focus of this year’s event is the role of technology, particularly AI, in preserving and restoring classic films. Subtitling and dubbing will be central themes, with companies like Vectracom, Phont (a startup specializing in “emotional subtitling”), and translator representatives participating in discussions. Desrieux emphasizes the importance of ensuring that technological innovations benefit the entire film ecosystem, while co-head Gérald Duchaussoy notes that subtitles are a creative activity that shapes how films are understood.

Startups such as Phont, Refractio (an AI-powered search and licensing platform), and CN Films will showcase their technologies at the Classics Innovation Corner, providing a glimpse into the future of film preservation and distribution.

Streaming Services and Heritage Cinema

The event will also explore the increasing role of streaming services in distributing heritage cinema. Justine Ryst will discuss YouTube’s impact on heritage content, particularly as the platform celebrates its 20th anniversary. Duchaussoy highlights the extensive heritage content available on YouTube, including films, archives, and programs that engage new viewers.

Case studies will feature platforms like Sooner (a merger of Universciné and Filmo), LaCinetek, and Allociné, which is launching Allociné Classique, a dedicated service for classic films. Desrieux notes that these platforms not only preserve films but also reintroduce them to modern audiences.

Programs, Events, and International Collaboration

Circulation remains a key priority for organizers, with initiatives like the ReBirth program showcasing recently restored titles or works seeking restoration partners. Hungary is the country of honor this year due to its strong preservation and circulation record, exemplified by events like the Budapest Classic Film Marathon. György Ráduly, head of the Hungarian National Film Archive, will be among the attendees.

The market will also feature discussions on the new AgoraEU program, European audiovisual heritage policy, and the impact of curated retrospectives. Tributes to directors Martin Ritt and Konrad Wolf will illustrate how restorations can revitalize films across various platforms. Additionally, France’s arthouse exhibitors’ association, AFCAE, will discuss the future of classic film on the big screen during its 70th-anniversary celebration.

Traditional sessions such as catalogue previews, distributor line-ups, and dedicated events for exhibitors will round out the program. African cinema will be highlighted with a showcase of the new podcast series “Cineastes d’Afrique,” celebrating African filmmaking pioneers.

Engaging the Next Generation

A new European student workshop will bring together around 40 students from six universities to collaborate with heritage professionals. Desrieux states that the goal is to help the next generation establish connections for the sector’s future. Duchaussoy sees the workshop as reflecting the market’s broader mission: heritage cinema is not just about the past; it’s about the future, with new professionals, technologies, and audiences.

Desrieux concludes that the aim is to strengthen the international framework and profile of the heritage sector by uniting players, questioning practices, and fostering business opportunities around classic film distribution. The MIFC will take place in Lyon from October 14–October 17.