We, along with the entire Unifrance team, wish you a very happy 2026. May French films continue to travel the world!

 

In an international context marked by tensions and divisions, our creation more than ever embodies our values and reminds us of the unique power of cinema and audiovisual media: to bring people together, encourage exchange, and open dialogue, far beyond borders. By contributing to the replenishment of our narratives, our representations of living together, and our icons, and by making our works ever more inclusive and accessible, we are pursuing a common goal: to ensure the influence and dissemination of French cinema and audiovisual media throughout the world, among all audiences. Spreading the cultural ideal and tolerance that our works vigorously defend is a major democratic challenge today.

 

Unifrance faces many challenges in 2026. First, through our actions in various territories: in constant dialogue with you, we will continue to adapt to changes in international markets, particularly in the audiovisual sector. But also through digital channels: the strengthening of our editorial strategy on social media, recently supported by the launch of our new consumer brand My French Stories, illustrates this desire to offer creative, attractive, and targeted content capable of feeding the curiosity and imagination of viewers, especially younger ones.

 

We will continue our efforts in the area of economic intelligence, with a first meeting on January 12 during Export Day, at which estimates for French cinema box office revenues worldwide in 2025 will be presented.

 

The 28th Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Paris will open on January 13. We are delighted to welcome more than 500 international buyers from the film and audiovisual industries, as well as over a hundred foreign journalists and as many French artists for the press junket. This is a particularly valuable tool at a time when press coverage is undergoing a profound crisis around the world.

 

This collective momentum is proof of the effectiveness of our model for supporting creation and culture, which is widely recognized and envied internationally. A big thank you to the CNC for its unwavering confidence, as well as to the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and PROCIREP. Their continued support has been crucial, particularly for the creation of the Unifrance Endowment Fund. We would also like to thank our private sector sponsors.

 

We also wish to thank you, dear members, for your ongoing commitment to Unifrance. Membership fees will be due in January: we thank you in advance for your vigilance and responsiveness. In June, all our governing bodies will be renewed; we are counting on your participation and valuable commitment to our mission.

 

Finally, we would like to thank the entire Unifrance team for their dedication and energy, which are essential to the smooth running of our organization.

Happy New Year to you all!

 

Gilles Pélisson and Daniela Elstner
President and Executive Director of Unifrance