Mk2’s Fionnuala Jamison Talks Cannes 2026, New Todd Haynes Film – The Screen Podcast

Why It Matters

MK2’s high‑profile Cannes lineup and new English‑language projects reinforce its market leadership, guiding buyer expectations and influencing global distribution strategies for the 2026 festival season.

Key Takeaways

• MK2 presents five competition titles at Cannes 2026, showcasing diverse talent.
• Director André Zangé's return with "Minotaur" highlights MK2's long‑term collaborations.
• New English‑language projects include Todd Haynes' "Denotech" starring Pedro Pascal.
• MK2 balances passion‑driven selections with buyers’ demand for marketable hooks.
• Japanese cinema strong presence, with three Japanese films competing this year.

Summary

The Screen Podcast episode features MK2 managing director Fionnuala Jamison outlining the French company’s Cannes 2026 strategy. She details a robust slate that includes five competition entries – "Minotaur," "The Birthday Party," "Gentle Monster," "Naggi Notes," and "The Man I Love" – alongside titles slated for Critics’ Week and a special screening. Jamison highlights long‑standing relationships, such as André Zangé’s return with "Minotaur" and a second collaboration with Mary Croitzer on "Gentle Monster," now co‑financed by IPR. She also flags upcoming English‑language projects, notably Todd Haynes’s "Denotech" starring Pedro Pascal and Justine Tri’s "Fonda," both in early production. Japanese cinema features prominently, with three Japanese directors represented in competition. When asked about selection philosophy, Jamison stresses that MK2 follows its passion: “We fall in love with the director, the point of view, the story.” Yet she acknowledges market realities, noting buyers seek strong filmmakers, clear marketing hooks, and manageable subject matter. She admits tight timelines for Cannes‑adjacent acquisitions can compress marketing prep but remain manageable. The conversation underscores MK2’s dual focus on artistic integrity and commercial viability, positioning the company as a key player in the festival market. Its strong Cannes presence and English‑language slate signal confidence to international buyers, potentially shaping distribution pipelines and award‑season narratives for the coming year.

Original Description

In this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, Fionnuala Jamison, managing director at French sales and production powerhouse mk2 Films, speaks to Screen’s editor-in-chief Matt Mueller ahead of the Cannes Film Festival.

mk2 Films has eight films at Cannes including five in competition; The Birthday Party; Gentle Monster; The Man I Love; Minotaur and Nagi Notes.

In the interview, Jamison discusses her ambitions for this year’s slate of mk2 projects, and her views on what the market is looking for.

The Screen Podcast is produced and hosted by Wendy Mitchell and edited by Ellie Calnan. New episodes every other Thursday.

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