Unifrance's Rendez-Vous With French Cinema: Navigating Challenges Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Unifrance's 31st edition of the Rendez-Vous With French Cinema commenced in New York amidst rising geopolitical tensions, particularly due to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict involving Iran. The event, which aims to promote French films in the U.S., opened with the New York premiere of François Ozon’s adaptation of Albert Camus’ novel “The Stranger.” Ozon was unable to attend in person, opting instead to send a video message to the audience.

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Daniela Elstner, managing director of Unifrance, acknowledged the unique challenges posed by the current geopolitical climate, stating that while they anticipated some last-minute cancellations, they did not consider canceling the event as they had in 2020 due to the pandemic. Despite these challenges, the French delegation showed strong support, with many filmmakers and producers attending the opening night.

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The turnout for the event was robust, with Elstner noting that most screenings were sold out, reflecting a vibrant interest in French cinema among American audiences. The event featured a cocktail gathering that included prominent figures from the French film industry and U.S. distributors, indicating a strong network of support for French films in North America. Elstner highlighted that the screenings not only generate revenue but also help cultivate future audiences through partnerships with universities and cultural institutions.

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Despite the challenges, French films continue to attract attention in the U.S. market, with Unifrance reporting that French films had approximately 42 million theatrical admissions worldwide in 2025, although only 2.2 million were in North America. Elstner pointed out that while box office revenues have declined, the passion for French cinema remains strong, particularly among younger audiences. She emphasized the importance of showcasing emerging filmmakers through initiatives like the Young French Cinema festival.

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Elstner acknowledged the difficulties in securing lucrative deals in the U.S. market, noting that it can sometimes be more profitable to sell films to Eastern Europe. She also remarked on the cultural specificity of French comedies, which often do not resonate with American audiences. However, she noted that American viewers are increasingly seeking films that offer a distinctly French perspective, rather than large-scale productions that mimic Hollywood.

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• “We knew it was going to be a particular year due to what’s happening in Iran and we were prepared for some last minute cancellations, but we didn’t consider axing this edition like we had done in 2020 when the pandemic broke out,” — Daniela Elstner, Managing Director of Unifrance

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• “It’s very invigorating to see that Film at Lincoln Center, our partner at the Rendez-Vous, is able to attract crowds of young cinephiles and fans of French movies every year,” — Daniela Elstner

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• “Some of the directors attending this year have never been to New York before.” — Daniela Elstner

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The Rendez-Vous With French Cinema serves as a critical platform for promoting French films in the U.S., even amid geopolitical challenges. The strong attendance and engagement from both filmmakers and audiences highlight the enduring appeal of French cinema, despite the complexities of the current market landscape.

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