Yes She Cannes Debuts at Marché du Film with Groundbreaking Genre Panel

This year marks a game-changing moment for Yes She Cannes- our very first official event at the Marché du Film, one of the most prestigious platforms in global cinema- known as "the heart of the film industry".

And we're making our debut with a powerful message: Women belong at the heart of genre storytelling.

On May 14, 2025, we’ll take to the Palais Stage for an unmissable panel: “Female Visibility, Voice and Creative Power in Genre Film.”

In collaboration with Fantastic Pavilion, we’re proud to present a lineup of visionary women who are boldly reshaping the cinematic landscape-on screen, behind the camera, and in every creative corner of the industry.

Why This Moment Matters

Genre film has long been a space of imagination, transformation, and power- but too often, women have been pushed to the margins of its stories and its making. This panel is a declaration that those days are done. We’re here to celebrate the women fearlessly redefining horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and beyond through radical creativity, inclusive practices, and unapologetic storytelling.

The Women Leading the Way

Moderated by Faith Elizabeth (Founder, Yes She Cannes)

As a filmmaker and founder of Yes She Cannes, I created this space to amplify women’s voices in film- not just in the spotlight, but within the systems and spaces that shape our stories. This moment at the Marché is the culmination of years spent taking a leap of faith, building meaningful connections, and nurturing a community that believes in the power of women supporting women.

Monica Garcia (WomanInFan / Sitges Film Festival)

General Manager of the world-renowned Sitges Film Festival and the force behind WomanInFan, Monica is elevating female voices in genre cinema on a global scale. Through industry programmes and daring festival curation, she’s setting new standards for what inclusive genre film looks like.

Sharon Thompson (Design Essentials)

Sharon is revolutionising beauty in media through her work at Design Essentials, advocating for authentic, inclusive hair representation on screen. Her impact spans continents and communities, empowering stylists to celebrate every texture- and every identity- through their craft. Design Essentials is also leading the charge in educating makeup artists and hair teams on set, ensuring that women with textured hair are treated with the care, skill, and respect they deserve.

Justine Ray Le Solliec (Cinebaby)

At the helm of all-female SFX company Cinebaby, Justine and the team reimagine how we portray motherhood and women’s bodies in cinema. Their work brings both realism and reverence to depictions of motherhood.

Maria Shevtsova (DISAUTHORITY)

As Chief Creative Officer at DISAUTHORITY, Maria is creating space for rebellious storytelling and raw talent in genre filmmaking. She’s helping bold new voices find their place- and their power- through daring production, post, and purpose-driven support.

Be There When We Make Yes She Cannes History!

This isn’t just a panel- it’s a milestone. A moment of visibility. A statement of intent.

Join us in-person at Cannes or online as we make our voice heard and our presence felt in the spaces that matter most.

📍 Palais Stage (Palais -1) & Online

🗓 May 14, 2025

⏰ 17:00 – 18:00 CET

CELEBRATE. INSPIRE. EMPOWER.