Lyon's Classic Film Market Sees Record Growth

The International Classic Film Market (MIFC) is returning to Lyon along with the Lumière Film Festival for its 13th edition. The event is dedicated to the restoration and promotion of heritage films and expects a record number of attendees. According to co-head Anaïs Desrieux, all indicators point to growth, including international and first-time participants.

The festival's international scope is highlighted by guests of honor Andrea Kalas (VP of Media and Archival Services at Iron Mountain), Justine Ryst (YouTube’s France chief), and Gaëtan Bruel (the new head of the France’s film board CNC).

Park Circus, a U.K.-based company that handles global distribution of heritage titles for major U.S. studios and British and European libraries, is joining as an official partner, further indicating the market’s growing industry influence. CEO Douglas Davis will participate in a roundtable discussion on international distribution strategies for heritage film alongside Studiocanal’s Pauline Saint-Hilaire and Mk2 Films’ Benoit Claro.

AI and Technology

Technology, specifically the use of AI in preserving and restoring classic films, will be a key subject. This year's focus will be on subtitling and dubbing. Vectracom, Phont (a start-up specializing in “emotional subtitling”), and translator representatives will participate in the discussion. Desrieux states that while everyone supports progress, the challenge lies in ensuring the innovation benefits the entire ecosystem. Co-head Gérald Duchaussoy added that subtitles are a creative activity, not neutral, and influence how films are understood.

Startups like Phont, Refractio (an AI-powered search and licensing platform), and CN Films will present their technology at the Classics Innovation Corner.

Streaming and Heritage Cinema

Another major theme revolves around the increasing role of streaming services in distributing heritage cinema. Ryst is expected to discuss this topic, particularly in relation to YouTube's 20th anniversary. Duchaussoy notes the significant heritage content available on YouTube, including films, archives, programs, and content creators engaging new viewers.

Case studies will feature Sooner (the merger of Universciné and Filmo), the LaCinetek heritage film platform, and Allociné, which is launching Allociné Classique, a dedicated service. Desrieux points out that these platforms not only preserve films but also reintroduce them to modern audiences.

Additional Programs and Events

Circulation remains a key priority for organizers, from digital strategies to in-person deal-making. Initiatives like the Re>Birth program, now in its third year, showcase recently restored titles or works seeking restoration partners through short pitches and meetings. Hungary is the country of honor 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.

Other highlights include discussions on the new AgoraEU program, European audiovisual heritage policy, and the impact of curated retrospectives. This year's tributes to Martin Ritt and Konrad Wolf illustrate how restorations can revitalize films in theaters, festivals, on TV, and streaming platforms. France’s arthouse exhibitors’ association, AFCAE, will discuss the future of classic film on the big screen during its 70th-anniversary celebration.

The market will also feature traditional sessions such as catalogue previews, distributor line-ups, and dedicated events for exhibitors. African cinema will be highlighted with a showcase of the new podcast series “Cineastes d’Afrique,” which celebrates African filmmaking pioneers.

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.