What is the purpose of film festivals like Cannes or Sundance?

Film festivals like Cannes or Sundance primarily exist to showcase and promote new films and filmmakers. They serve as platforms for independent films, allowing emerging talent to gain exposure to industry professionals, audiences, and media. These festivals create opportunities for filmmakers to network, receive feedback, and potentially find distribution for their works.

By prioritizing artistic expression and innovation, film festivals contribute significantly to the diversity of cinema by highlighting a wide range of storytelling styles, themes, and cultural perspectives. They often feature documentaries, short films, and international entries that might not get mainstream attention, thereby broadening the cinematic landscape.

In contrast, options that focus exclusively on blockbuster films or high-budget productions overlook the core mission of these festivals, which is to uplift and support new voices in cinema rather than prioritizing commercial success or large financial backing. Additionally, while critics may review films presented at these festivals, that is more of a byproduct rather than the primary purpose of such events.