T-Port Blog

T-Port State of the Industry Interviews: Cannes 2025

This year at Cannes, we had the pleasure of spending time with an incredible group of 18 filmmakers whose projects were selected for the T-Port showcase and workshop.

Every day, we met up for sessions where we got to know the group better, talked through their goals for the festival, and shared tips on how to navigate everything Cannes has to offer.

We also brought in some fantastic industry guests. One of the highlights was attending the SFC Breakfast as a group, where the filmmakers had the chance to meet key players from festivals and distributors.

We also had the joy of presenting the group in front of over 300 people at the SFC T-Port Happy Hour, and teamed up with AG Kurzfilm and German Films’ NGST filmmakers for a tour of the Market. Beyond the official program, the group was invited to screenings, cocktails, and parties—plenty of chances to network, celebrate, and just soak in the experience. The feedback we received throughout was so moving.

Our group represented countries from Germany to Afghanistan, Tunisia to China—and watching them support each other, connect, and grow over the course of the festival was truly special.

Below we’ve asked some of the attendees to share what they learned from their experience:

Odeta Cunaj, Director of THE LAST DAY

What was the most important thing you learned from the experience?

Being in Cannes, where all the decision-makers in the cinema world are gathered in one place, felt like stepping into a small village. People were more accessible, and I could navigate the space—and the key players in it—with a mental map. At home, the industry feels overwhelming and distant. I met a lot of people, and while I’ll see what comes from those connections, the most important thing was meeting them face-to-face, on equal ground. It made everything more real and human—unlike interacting through emails and screens.
 

What’s your favourite memory from Cannes?

I don’t have one specific memory, but rather a favorite feeling. It was the sense of accessibility—the feeling that I was part of it all, especially within the short film market. It was empowering to know I could genuinely access opportunities, spaces, and conversations that mattered.

Based on what you’ve learned, what’s next for you as a filmmaker?

Based on what I’ve learned, my immediate goal is to find a collaborator to work with on my projects. As was mentioned in one of our meetings with a programmer, some things can’t be done alone—you need a team. I also hope to connect with a producer who can support and accompany me on my filmmaking journey.

Rotem Avidani director of LOVE LETTER TO MY BROTHER and MAINTENANCE

What was the most important thing you learned from the experience?

The biggest thing I took away is that dreaming big isn’t just allowed—it’s absolutely necessary. Once I really let myself think that way, things started moving. I stopped waiting for chances to come to me—I started making them happen. At Cannes, I felt like I opened the door to so many opportunities just by holding onto that idea: it’s not only okay to dream, it’s essential to dream boldly, fully, and to trust the process with everything you’ve got.

What’s your favourite memory from Cannes?

After a crazy day packed with meetings and screenings, I found a quiet moment by the shore of Cannes.
Just breathing it all in, I felt so grateful—grateful for cinema, for art, and for all the incredible, talented people I met along the way. In that stillness, I felt connected to something much bigger than myself, and it reminded me why I do what I do.

Based on what you’ve learned, what’s next for you as a filmmaker? 

I’m leaving Cannes full of gratitude, inspiration, ambition, and confidence in my path. Right now, I’m developing my first feature film and a TV series, and I’m ready to take on whatever comes with passion—while making sure to enjoy every step of this journey.

 

 

 

Jan-Peter Horstmann, director of A BED FOR THREE OR THE EXTRAORDINARY AND SURPRISING COMPLEXITY OF BEDROOM FURNITURE

What was the most important thing you learned from the experience?

The most important thing I learned is that I can confidently take my project across borders and actively seek partners in Switzerland and France. I received immense interest, which gave me confidence in myself and the project. Working as a director and screenwriter often means working alone, so the days in Cannes were a lovely boost of confidence and energy.

What’s your favourite memory from Cannes?

Meeting the other participants of our group. And also dancing the night away at the ShortsTiger Party after a busy day of really lovely impressions, meetings and encounters.

Based on what you’ve learned, what’s next for you as a filmmaker? 

Finding production partners and starting work on my screenplay. And I’m hoping to come back to Cannes next year.

 

Are you a filmmaker looking to make your mark on the short film world? We’re here to help! 

Upload your short film to T-Port and make it available for our Professional Subscribers – industry professionals. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get regular updates on the current trends and exciting innovations in the short film universe.

 

If you are a film industry professional and would like access to the catalogue and more, find out here how to sign up.

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