Just days before the start of Berlin’s European Film Market (EFM), the Marché du Film in Cannes unveiled the new version of Cinando, its digital platform aimed at audiovisual industry professionals. Originally launched in 2003 as a database for attendees of the French market, the tool is now entering a new phase marked by deep technological modernization and a strategic expansion into other segments of the industry.

The relaunch entails a complete overhaul of its digital infrastructure, a redesigned interface focused on mobile usability, the introduction of an in-house curation tool, and the integration of content related to television series and immersive experiences. With 100,000 users worldwide, Cinando has consolidated its position over the past two decades as a key instrument for professional networking, online screenings, and cross-border dealmaking.

Marché du Film executive director Guillaume Esmiol was unequivocal in describing the scale of the transformation. “Cinando was getting older. We felt it needed a complete redesign of its interface that would be more adapted to use on mobile formats,” he said. He added: “Technology has evolved so much since 2003 that it was no longer possible to continue with mini upgrades of an outdated system – it needed a complete overhaul.”

According to the Cannes market chief, the shift goes far beyond a technical update. “We have changed everything; the entire infrastructure is different,” he stated. “It’s not just an update – it’s a complete relaunch with new ambitions.”

One of the most significant additions is the “Discover” feature, which will allow the in-house team to spotlight selected profiles, companies and projects directly on the homepage. Until now, Cinando primarily operated as a specialized search engine; with this new tool, it adopts a more editorial approach. “It will have a more proactive, editorial approach,” Esmiol explained. “Before, it was mostly a search engine. Now, on the homepage, there will be different sections grouping specific types of contacts or films depending on the time of year or around a specific event.”

Each major international market and event will have its own landing page within the platform, including new partners such as Series Mania. Currently, Cinando provides bespoke B2B services for key industry gatherings including the American Film Market (AFM), Ventana Sur and the Marché du Film itself, which runs this year from May 12–20.

The move into series and immersive content reflects the increasing convergence across formats. “The industry is evolving all the time, film, TV, streaming, and immersive media are increasingly intersecting,” Esmiol noted, referencing markets such as Berlin and Ventana Sur, where companies often handle both films and series. At the same time, he stressed that users will be able to keep sectors clearly separated if they wish: “for people who want to keep those industries separate, it will be easy to filter, and to focus on just feature films or just TV. Everyone can find what they are – or aren’t – looking for.”

In the area of online screenings, the platform will provide more detailed statistics for sellers regarding the profiles of buyers who view their films. The overall environment, Esmiol confirmed, will be “faster and easier to navigate.”

The relaunch process took more than two years and was funded by the Marché du Film and the Creative Europe MEDIA programme, which has supported Cinando since its inception. Revenue streams will continue to rely on subscriptions, advertising and B2B services. The revamped version is initially available in English, with additional languages planned going forward. Although already accessible during the Berlin market, Esmiol acknowledged that the platform remains “in a transitional period.”

Ahead of the upcoming Cannes market and festival, Cinando will host a stand at the Palais des Festivals, where professionals can raise questions, receive technical support and test new features. Feedback gathered during earlier testing phases has already been incorporated, as the platform positions itself as a digital ecosystem aligned with the evolving dynamics of the global audiovisual business.