“Goes to Cannes” is a Marché du Film initiative that brings together selected film festivals & markets from across the world to curate and host exclusive showcases at Cannes
By Adedamola Jones Adedayo
Ahead of the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, the Marché du Film, the festival’s official film market, has confirmed Lagos, Nigeria, as one of the partner cities selected for “Goes to Cannes” 2026. The programme will run from 15th to 18th May, 2026, at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France.
Goes to Cannes is a Marché du Film initiative that brings together selected film festivals & markets from across the world to curate and host exclusive showcases at Cannes, connecting works-in-progress with potential distributors, sales agents and festival programmers.
One outstanding project from among the partnering festivals and selection participants will be offered an MG (Minimum Guarantee) of €10,000 prize from Sideral Cinema, a Spanish film studio specialising in the sales and distribution of international independent films.
Lagos will be officially represented by the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), a pan-African film festival that takes place annually in Lagos. Other festival city partners selected for Goes to Cannes 2026 are Tokyo (Japan), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Adelaide (Australia), Montevideo (Uruguay), Tallinn (Estonia) and Hong Kong.
Lagos remains a commercial hub in Africa and is home to the prolific Nigerian film industry. Its selection for this year’s Marché du Film follows the country’s recent Cannes trajectory, most especially with Akinola Davies Jr.’s My Father’s Shadow becoming the first Nigerian film to make the festival’s Official selection, screening in the Un Certain Regard section and receiving the Caméra d’Or Special Mention. Interestingly, My Father’s Shadow is also set in Lagos, illuminating the city’s socio-political history.
The presence of Lagos at the forthcoming Marché du Film magnifies its importance in African filmmaking, creating increased international visibility and exposing the country to potential investment opportunities and tourist attractions. For Nigerian filmmakers, this development could open the door for unprecedented co-production deals and access to financing structures that are rarely available in Africa.