Film News Today — September 7, 2026
France Launches Global Initiatives to Support Independent Cinema and Establish Framework for Alliance of State Film Commissions: Lumiere Summit and more — today's film signal.
The film industry is abuzz with news from the Lumiere Summit, where global leaders and industry professionals gathered to discuss the future of cinema. French President Emmanuel Macron kicked off the summit with a call to action, urging the international community to come together to protect film and address the dangers posed by social media. In response, France has launched a series of global initiatives aimed at supporting independent cinema and establishing a framework for an alliance of state film commissions.
The summit has also played host to a flurry of deals and announcements, including the launch of a new film rescue program by the Heritage Foundation's ALIPH, which will target Ukraine, Syria, and Indonesia. Other deals unveiled at the summit include a pact between Toho Europe, the Indonesia Film Fund, and Cinepolis, as well as a pilot program launched by Regal Cinemas, IFTA, and CNC to test whether smarter programming can reverse falling theater admissions. Meanwhile, production company Halley Production has boarded a new thriller, 'Carro Seco,' which tells the story of a killer who targets unscrupulous Barcelona real estate speculators. These developments demonstrate the industry's commitment to collaboration and innovation in the face of changing times.
Today's signal:
• France Launches Global Initiatives to Support Independent Cinema and Establish Framework for Alliance of State Film Commissions: Lumiere Summit (variety.com)
• Emmanuel Macron Calls for Global Initiatives to Protect Film and Warns About Dangers of Social Media as Lumiere Summit Opens (variety.com)
• Toho Europe, Indonesia Film Fund, Cinepolis Pact Among Deals Unveiled at Lumiere Summit (variety.com)
• Heritage Foundation ALIPH Targets Ukraine, Syria and Indonesia in New Film Rescue Program (variety.com)
• Regal Cinemas, IFTA, CNC Launch Pilot to Test Whether Smarter Programming Can Reverse Falling Theater Admissions (variety.com)
• France’s Halley Production Boards Thriller ‘Carro Seco,’ About Killer Who Targets Unscrupulous Barcelona Real Estate Speculators (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)