Monte-Carlo readily conjures up images of casinos, super-yachts and motor-races. It also gathers the great and the good of the TV world each June for a Festival focused on both industry and audience.
Against its glamorous backdrop, the Monte-Carlo TV Festival’s Executive Director Cécile Menoni said this year’s 64th edition will be “a reflection of the current state of the global television industry — its priorities, innovations, and creative aspirations.”
The Monte-Carlo TV Festival started in 1961. It traditionally has a strong contingent of U.S. and international execs and, of course, talent, which draws the crowds outside the Grimaldi Forum where the Festival is based.
Connecting the audience with stars and creators has always been part of proceedings. The modern take on that, as well as making time for the autograph hunters outside the Grimaldi Forum and big premieres – which this time include the French debut of Watson – is an app that allows fans to take part in Q+As and other events. But the real-life events remain part of the Festival’s essence.
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“Public access is not an afterthought — it’s an integral part of our philosophy,” Menoni explained. “At a time when the relationship between creators and audiences is increasingly mediated by algorithms, we believe in the power of real-life encounters.”
The competition part of affairs has changed in recent years to take in limited series, digital productions, and international co-productions. Speaking about the official selection, which spans drama series and docs and current affairs programs, Menoni noted social issues are to the fore.
“We’re particularly proud of the diversity and depth of our official selection. A recurring theme this year is social resonance: many of the nominated programs, whether fiction or documentary, address pressing global issues — climate justice, identity, human rights, mental health, or freedom of the press.”
She added: “We also see a strong focus on female-driven narratives, both in front of and behind the camera.” Speaking to that theme, the Festival will give Robin Wright its highest honor, the Crystal Nymph Award, joining previous honorees including Morgan Freeman, Michael Douglas and Patricia Arquette.
“Beyond her performances, what makes her presence so meaningful is her trajectory as a filmmaker and her ongoing commitment to causes that matter,” Menoni said. “Her work behind the camera — particularly her focus on female empowerment and human rights — is fully aligned with the values we promote.”
There will be also a new Digital Award this time. It will be collected by Squeezie, a French YouTuber with a huge following. It is, Menoni said, “a way of acknowledging the legitimacy and cultural impact of digital talent.” She added: “Moving forward, we aim to open more doors for these creators to engage with the Festival: through dedicated programming, industry conversations that include creators and platforms, and co-curated experiences that speak to a younger audience.”
Inside the Grimaldi Forum, highlights of the Festival’s business-focused strand include a Deadline-moderated sit-down with Rola Bauer and Scott Free’s David W. Zucker.
A trip to the Principality on Monaco and to Monte-Carlo is both change of scene and a change of pace from many of the international TV confabs, which Menoni readily acknowledges.
“The glamor of Monte-Carlo is undeniable, but behind the scenes, some of the most impactful conversations in television are taking place. Our Business Content this year covers everything from the financing of independent series to the rise of AI tools, the growth of new content formats, and the increasing importance of ethical storytelling.
“Monte-Carlo provides the calm and elegance that invite reflection, away from the frenzy of larger markets.”