France has launched a new global initiative called IRIS (International Resilience Initiative for Independent Screens) to support independent cinema worldwide, unveiling it on Monday at the Lumiere Summit in Saint Paul de Vence. Backed by an array of leading filmmakers including Jane Campion, Pedro Almodóvar, Wim Wenders and Jafar Panahi, the scheme aims to strengthen the distributors, cinemas and nonprofit networks that keep independent film in circulation, particularly in regions where such infrastructure is weak or under threat. The move forms part of a broader French push, championed by President Emmanuel Macron and the CNC film body, to shape global "multilateralism" in cinema.

Alongside IRIS, France is also establishing the "Lumiere Alliance", a network open to national film agencies and public bodies, which will meet twice yearly, once around Cannes and once in a different host country. IRIS's international council includes figures such as Tilda Swinton, Juliette Binoche, Jim Jarmusch and Thomas Vinterberg, with the initiative intended to provide emergency funding and support to at-risk independent cinemas, plus promote film education for future audiences. Macron is due to host a follow-up gathering in New York on 22 September to develop the plan further.