The film industry is about to get a thrilling new addition! FilmQuest Film Market is set to debut in 2026, aiming to revolutionize the way genre-focused projects are presented and discovered.
But here's the twist: Jonathan Martin, a visionary filmmaker and founder of the beloved genre festival FilmQuest, and Jon Fitzgerald, a renowned festival director and curator, are joining forces to create a unique marketplace. They're not just aiming for another run-of-the-mill market; they want to shake things up!
"We want to offer something unique and valuable to the industry," Martin explains. "It's not just about business; it's about education, inspiration, and creating a buzz. How can we make people fall in love with film markets again?" And their secret weapon? The power of film festivals.
FilmQuest, which began in 2014, has already proven its success with its latest edition in November. The festival offered a range of professional sessions, from casting to screenwriting, with a special focus on alternative distribution, taught by none other than Fitzgerald.
Martin reflects, "We're experimenting with a new approach, integrating labs and workshops into the festival experience. It's a learning process, but we're determined to make it work for the market."
Fitzgerald, an expert in film markets, believes education is key. "FilmQuest showed us that people are eager to learn. They know the basics, but alternative distribution is a mystery to many. We can provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work, just like in Cannes, and offer resources and toolkits to empower them." And it's not just filmmakers who can benefit; distributors and sales agents can discover new trends and films, too.
The duo's vision is clear: create a market that evolves and adapts, starting with genre filmmakers and expanding from there. Fitzgerald assures, "We'll launch with a solid foundation and grow from there."
With the support of Provo, a city on the rise, the market aims to bring economic growth and a vibrant film culture to the community. Fitzgerald and Martin draw inspiration from past successes at festivals like Slamdance, where talents like Wes Anderson and Christopher Nolan were discovered.
"Film festivals are the breeding ground for emerging talent," Fitzgerald emphasizes. "Why stop at screening films? We can offer resources, masterclasses, and a community. Let's make the film market experience fun and impactful." Martin agrees, envisioning a market that captures the rock n' roll spirit of FilmQuest, making the business of filmmaking exciting and joyful.
A bold statement: Can FilmQuest Film Market transform the industry's perception of film markets? Will it inspire a new wave of enthusiasm? Share your thoughts below!
