Markets

After the slower pace of summer, September marks a sharp return to business for the global screen industry. Following the buzz of the Edinburgh International Television Festival and MIP Africa, the month ahead is packed with high-profile events spanning film, TV, animation, and broadcast technology.

From the red carpets of Venice and Toronto to the innovation hubs of Amsterdam and Toulouse, and the creative crossroads of Madrid and San Sebastián, here’s a look at the dates that will define the industry’s September agenda.

Venice International Film Festival
August 27 – September 6 | Lido di Venezia, Italy
The 82nd Venice International Film Festival officially opens the autumn festival season with a line-up of world premieres and potential awards-season heavyweights. Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia opens the festival, while Cédric Jimenez’s Chien 51 closes it.
This year’s jury, led by Alexander Payne, will honour Kim Novak and Werner Herzog with lifetime achievement Golden Lions. Anticipated premieres include Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, Yorgos Lanthimos’ Bugonia, Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt, and Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly. Venice remains both a cinematic celebration and a strategic launchpad for the year’s awards race.

Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
September 4–14 | Toronto, Canada
Just days after Venice, the spotlight shifts to Canada for TIFF, one of the most influential film festivals in the world. Known for its mix of Hollywood prestige and global cinema, TIFF is often seen as a predictor for the Oscars.
This year’s edition combines major gala premieres with the TIFF Industry Conference, covering topics from evolving distribution models to AI’s role in filmmaking. The TIFF Tribute Awards continue to spotlight cinematic excellence, with past recipients frequently becoming awards-season frontrunners.

Unifrance Rendez-vous in Le Havre 
September 1–5 | Le Havre, France
Now in its second year in Le Havre, the Unifrance Rendez-vous is the world’s largest market dedicated to French audiovisual content. Nearly 150 buyers from 40 countries will explore over 500 titles across drama, animation, documentary, live performance, and entertainment.
The event opens at the MuMA museum in Le Havre, followed by a gala at the Palais Bénédictine in Fécamp. This year, Fanny Herrero will receive the Deadline TV Disruptor Award, while TV movie Crime & Therapy makes its international sales debut.

IBC – International Broadcasting Convention
September 12–15 | RAI Amsterdam, Netherlands
IBC remains the go-to event for the global media, entertainment, and technology community. Highlights this year include:
Evan Shapiro’s keynote on the Creator Economy.
SMPTE-led sessions on next-generation workflows.
Ateme’s demonstrations in AV1/VVC streaming, immersive formats, and AI-powered distribution.
The “IP Showcase on the Water” — tech demos and networking aboard Amsterdam’s canals.
A sustainability-first approach includes public transport access in delegate badges, reinforcing IBC’s commitment to greener industry practices.

Cartoon Forum
September 15–18 | Toulouse, France
A cornerstone for European animation, Cartoon Forum attracts over 1,000 participants from 40 countries, including more than 280 buyers. Seventy-five projects will be pitched this year, ranging from preschool to young adult series.
Networking is at the heart of the event, with “Croissant Shows,” regional spotlights, and relaxed evening gatherings. Supported by Creative Europe’s MEDIA programme, it continues to be a vital launchpad for animated TV content.

San Sebastián International Film Festival
September 19–27 | San Sebastián, Spain
The 73rd edition of San Sebastián blends glamour and artistic ambition. Its Official Selection is complemented by popular sections such as Perlak and Zabaltegi-Tabakalera.
This year, Jennifer Lawrence receives the prestigious Donostia Award for her career achievements. With a mix of premieres, retrospectives, and industry-focused networking, the festival remains a pivotal meeting point for the European and Latin American film communities.

Iberseries & Platino Industria
September 30 – October 3 | Matadero Madrid, Spain
As the premier event for Spanish- and Portuguese-language audiovisual content, Iberseries & Platino Industria welcomes over 2,600 professionals from 50 countries.
Highlights include:
A Showrunner Workshop exploring creative, legal, and commercial perspectives.
Methos Media 2025: a call for projects with at least 30% confirmed financing, offering one-on-one investor meetings.
Panels with executives from Gaumont, SkyShowtime, and major Ibero-American platforms.
The event strengthens creative and business ties between Latin America and Europe, fostering co-productions and strategic alliances.