HOLLYWOOD REPORTER’S HIDDEN GEM OF THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL? SAY WHA?
A hoi hoi nerderinos,
While working on our next animated series for Talk Nerdy To Me® - our animator, Alex Boya, was not only invited to screen his film at Cannes, but Hollywood Reporter (the next day) labeled him the “Hidden Gem” of the Cannes Film Festival.
Kind of a big deal … but not surprising!!!
Here’s the series he did that ultimately went viral to 4.3 million people, and here’s how we connected:
The fact that we were working on the next animation at the EXACT TIME he got this AMAZING news is not a coincidence. I’m not entirely sure if it is ADHD, autism, or synesthesia … but either way, shit. gets. done.
Wow, just wow.
Full post to come.
It’s still too surreal.
Here’s more info on just how BIG this news is …
The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious and influential film festivals in the world. Held annually in Cannes, France, it serves as a global platform for showcasing new films of all genres, from both established and emerging filmmakers. Since its inception in 1946, Cannes has become synonymous with cinematic excellence, artistic innovation, and international recognition. Films selected for screening often represent the cutting edge of global cinema, and being included in the festival can launch careers, secure distribution deals, and open doors to a wider audience.
Cannes is more than just a celebration of film—it's a marketplace where the business of cinema thrives. Industry professionals from around the globe, including producers, distributors, critics, and agents, converge in Cannes to discover new talent and negotiate deals. The visibility and credibility that come with a Cannes screening can catapult an independent film into the global spotlight. A film’s reception at Cannes often sets the tone for its future trajectory, influencing its success on the festival circuit, in theatrical releases, and during awards season.
In this context, a film being labeled a “hidden gem” by The Hollywood Reporter carries considerable weight. As one of the most respected entertainment publications, The Hollywood Reporter has a global readership and significant influence within the industry. A favorable review, especially at Cannes, signals to distributors, critics, and audiences that the film is worth paying attention to. The phrase “hidden gem” implies that the film is an undiscovered masterpiece, heightening curiosity and demand while differentiating it from more heavily promoted titles.
Such recognition can profoundly impact a film’s trajectory. For independent filmmakers or lesser-known international productions, it offers a seal of quality that can attract further media attention, festival invitations, and streaming or theatrical deals. Moreover, it helps build momentum through word-of-mouth and critical buzz, both crucial for films without large marketing budgets. When The Hollywood Reporter spotlights a film at Cannes, it effectively elevates it from obscurity to relevance—making that “hidden gem” shine brightly on the world stage.
