The origins of CANNESERIES
CANNESERIES was born from an initiative led by the City of Cannes to create, on the Croisette, an international event entirely dedicated to television series. The project took shape as early as 2017 with key partners, including CANAL+, announced as a partner of the City of Cannes for a first edition scheduled in 2018. In keeping with Cannes tradition, the festival set up at the Palais des Festivals and aligned itself with the city’s existing television ecosystem—particularly the MIPTV period—in order to bring together both the general public and industry professionals around series from all over the world.
What defines the identity of CANNESERIES
From its very first seasons, CANNESERIES adopted a clearly defined “festival” format, designed for both the general public and professionals. The event is presented as free and open to all, with screenings at the Palais des Festivals and an online ticketing system allowing visitors to reserve free e-tickets. On the steps, the “pink carpet” has established itself as a strong visual marker, in keeping with the Cannes tradition of the red carpet.
In terms of programming, the festival’s identity is built around an international official selection structured into three competitions—series, short-form content, and documentary series—judged by international juries.
The major milestones and defining highlights of CANNESERIES
Created in Cannes in spring 2018, CANNESERIES was built from the outset as a festival apart. The event claims an accessible experience, which contributes to its identity as a “popular festival” in the best sense of the term. On the steps, the Pink Carpet has become a visual signature that anchors the event in the Cannes imagination.
In terms of content, CANNESERIES is built around an Official Selection structured into three competitions—Long Form, Short Form, and Docuseries—and supported by international juries, giving the festival a clear and effective framework for both audiences and industry professionals.
The awards list follows the same logic of clarity: the official lineup includes nine prizes, complemented by honorary awards. Another strong choice has also distinguished the festival since its beginnings: CANNESERIES presents two gender-neutral acting awards (Best Performance Prize and Special Interpretation Prize), a stance that has become emblematic within the landscape of series festivals.
Finally, CANNESERIES has strengthened its professional arm with CANNESERIES Industry, conceived as a dedicated workspace—most notably through its Clubs: invitation-only, limited-attendance private sessions bringing together producers, broadcasters, screenwriters, casting professionals, composers, and docuseries specialists. This format reinforces the event’s “encounters + content” DNA by creating, in one place, a clear link between artistic showcase, professional exchange, and international momentum.
