Events in Cannes: the calendar every brand should keep in mind

People think they know Cannes through its film festival. But for anyone working in events, the city is above all a huge open-air convention centre: the Palais des Festivals, private beaches turned into pavilions, hotel rooftops along the Croisette, the harbours. I live in Nice, thirty minutes from the Palais, and I’ve been filming these events for several seasons. Here’s the calendar I keep in mind, and what each event lets you film.

Why Cannes runs on congresses

Few cities this size host so many international trade markets. For one week, an entire industry — real estate, television, advertising, yachting — gathers in one place. Brands rent beaches, build pavilions, run talks in the morning and parties at night. It all happens in a few days, and whatever isn’t filmed won’t exist on social media.

That’s why event video in Cannes has its own rules: be reactive, know the venues and deliver fast. More on that in how I film an event in Cannes.

The calendar, season by season

Exact dates change every year: always check the organiser’s official website. The months, however, are fairly stable.

Spring: MIPIM and the Film Festival

MIPIM opens the season with developers, cities and investors. It’s the time for stand films, executive interviews and project presentations — close to my real estate and architecture work. In May, the Film Festival changes the mood completely: brands host dinners, parties and activations, with strict access and discretion requirements.

Summer: Cannes Lions, the brands’ big week

In June, Cannes Lions brings together agencies and advertisers from around the world. Beaches become brand pavilions, with talks in the morning, networking in the afternoon and concerts at night. I’ve filmed several editions, including the 2026 aftermovie for a brand beach. One client agency summed up what the week demands: four simultaneous events, filmed every day, edited overnight, delivered every evening.

Back to school: yachting

September belongs to boats. The Cannes Yachting Festival is held afloat, between red carpet and pontoons, followed by the Monaco Yacht Show. Expect yacht tours, receptions on board, sea outings and shipyard launches. Vertical rules here: my vertical film of the Cannes Yachting Festival is one example.

Autumn: TFWA, MIPCOM and MAPIC

October and November bring the big markets back to the Palais. At MIPCOM, I filmed a seafront pavilion for A+E Global Media: the space, the buyers, the hospitality, all the way to the packed terrace at sunset.

Booking your videographer: the right timing

During the big weeks, the whole Riviera is booked: hotels, technicians, crews. My advice is simple: contact your videographer as soon as your presence is confirmed, ideally several months ahead. The earlier the brief, the more time to scout, secure accreditations and build a shot list that truly serves your goals.

A videographer based locally also saves you flights, trade-show-week hotel rates and gear in the hold. It’s an argument agencies from London, New York or Paris understand quickly.

What actually gets filmed during a congress

• The next-morning teaser: 30 to 60 seconds, cut overnight, ready before doors open.
• The aftermovie: 1 to 3 minutes, to report back to headquarters and sell next year’s edition.
• Social cuts: short vertical clips for LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, delivered during the event.
• Interviews and panels: executives, speakers, guests, with clean audio.

Every format, timeline and usage right is detailed in my events brochure.

Beyond the Croisette

The Riviera doesn’t stop at the Palais. Monaco, Antibes and Saint-Tropez host product launches, private dinners, sea outings and after-parties all season long. The rules are the same: plan ahead, know the venues, stay discreet with guests.

FAQ

What are the main business events in Cannes?

The biggest are MIPIM in March, the Film Festival in May, Cannes Lions in June, the Cannes Yachting Festival in September, the TFWA World Exhibition and MIPCOM in October, and MAPIC in November.

How far ahead should I book a videographer for an event in Cannes?

As soon as your presence is confirmed, ideally several months ahead. During the big weeks, local crews get booked very early.

Can I get a video the morning after an event?

Yes. A 30 to 60-second teaser can be edited overnight and delivered before 9am, in both 16:9 and vertical 9:16.

David Amar

Filmmaker and art director, founder of Amarity

Based in Nice, I film events in Cannes and Monaco, luxury real estate, hospitality and advertising — on steadicam, gimbal and drone. I conceive, shoot and edit every film myself.