Ami Paris Takes Center Stage as New Sponsor of Cannes Critics’ Week
Published: 2025-03-19
French Fashion House Steps into the Limelight at Prestigious Film Event
Parisian fashion house Ami Paris is set to become the main sponsor of Cannes Critics’ Week, replacing Nespresso, which held the position for nearly 15 years [[1]]. This partnership marks a meaningful shift, blending the worlds of high fashion and independent cinema, and promises new opportunities for emerging filmmakers on the global stage.
The 64th edition of Cannes Critics’ Week will see the introduction of the Ami Paris Grand Prize, awarded to the winning film in the sidebar devoted to discovering new talent. This collaboration underscores Ami’s commitment to supporting the next generation of cinematic voices.
Alexandre Mattiussi: A Visionary Partnership
Alexandre Mattiussi,the founder and creative director of Ami Paris,expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership,stating,”I’m very respectful and grateful about what Critics’ Week represents. It’s a very special prize, as it gives a great professional point of view on movies.”
Mattiussi emphasized the importance of supporting young directors,noting that the Critics’ Week award “can really be the beginning of a career.It is really to support the young directors, movies and all the young talents to make that dream possible. It’s a beautiful partnership to support the young directors. So I love being part of this.”
Ava Cahen, Executive Director of Critics’ Week, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Each year, Critics’ Week supports emerging filmmakers from around the world and celebrates their brilliant debuts. Sharing this same passion for discovering and supporting new talent with Ami Paris and Alexandre Mattiussi is particularly exciting.”
Critics’ Week: A Launchpad for Cinematic Talent
Cannes Critics’ Week, a sidebar to the official Cannes Film Festival selection, showcases seven feature films in competition. These films are eligible for the Ami Paris Grand Prize, and also the SACD Prize for best screenplay. Furthermore,first feature films in this section can also compete for the Camera d’Or,awarded by a special jury.
The focus on first and second films makes Critics’ Week a crucial platform for emerging directors. Winning an award here can substantially boost a young filmmaker’s career,opening doors to wider recognition and future opportunities in the film industry,both in Hollywood and internationally.
A Long-Term Commitment to Cinema
Mattiussi has framed the collaboration as a “long-term partnership” [[1]], indicating ongoing support for Critics’ Week. “It’s not just one year,” he said. “It’s going to be something that lasts a long time. It’s not contractual. It’s the very beginning of a beautiful collaboration. I’m really happy to add this to the Ami story.”
As part of the sponsorship, Ami Paris will host a dinner for filmmakers during Critics’ Week to “celebrate cinema.” The brand will also provide a red-carpet dressing suite at the Majestic hotel, further solidifying its presence at the festival.
Ami Paris on the Red Carpet: A history of Style
Ami Paris has already made its mark on the Cannes red carpet, dressing numerous celebrities over the past four years, including Viola Davis, Diane Kruger, Melanie Laurent, Catherine Deneuve, and Omar Sy. This existing relationship with the festival and its attendees makes the sponsorship a natural extension of the brand’s involvement in the world of cinema.
Mattiussi’s Foray into Film Production
The Critics’ Week sponsorship stems from Mattiussi’s genuine passion for cinema, which has led him to dip his toes into film production in recent years. He co-produced Bertrand bonello’s “The Beast,” starring Léa Seydoux, in 2023, and Céline Sallette’s “Niki,” starring Charlotte Le Bon, last year. “Niki” was featured in cannes’ Un Certain Regard section.
This year, Mattiussi is involved in “Enzo,” the latest film from Cannes Grand Prize winner Robin Campillo, director of the acclaimed ”120 BPM (Beats Per Minute).” Mattiussi co-produced “Enzo” with marie-Ange Luciani, and the film is rumored to be in contention for the official selection.
Despite his growing involvement in film production, Mattiussi clarified that he has no plans to launch an official production arm of Ami Paris. “I don’t want to be a brand producing cinema, because I don’t want to serve my interest as a fashion designer, because I think it’s not the right place to do it,” he explained. “I just try to focus on my job, which is being a designer and making things beautiful for the brand, for the house. At the same time, if you can help as a humble and very supportive [partner] producing and helping people to make [a film] possible, it’s fantastic.”
Future Aspirations: Directing His Own Story
Mattiussi’s creative endeavors extend beyond fashion and film production.He recently returned from South Korea, where he created a short film with “Parasite” star Choi Woo Shik to launch a capsule collection for the Korean market. This raises the question: will Mattiussi ever step behind the camera to direct his own film?
“One of my dreams is to direct my proper story, like a film that I’ve actually [been] writing since years and maybe I will be one day ready for it,” he revealed, hinting at a potential future in directing.
Implications for the U.S. Film Industry
The partnership between Ami Paris and Cannes Critics’ Week has implications for the U.S. film industry. By supporting emerging filmmakers, Ami Paris is contributing to a more diverse and vibrant cinematic landscape. This can lead to increased opportunities for American independent filmmakers to gain international recognition and funding.
Moreover, the increased visibility of Cannes Critics’ Week, thanks to ami Paris’s sponsorship, can attract more U.S. distributors and investors, helping to bring these films to american audiences. This can enrich the cultural landscape in the United States and provide a platform for new and innovative voices in cinema.
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Ami paris & Cannes Critics’ Week: A Stylish New Era for self-reliant Cinema
Senior Editor: Welcome, everyone, to a engaging discussion about the exciting partnership between Ami Paris and Cannes Critics’ Week. To shed further light on this significant event, we have film industry expert, Dr. Evelyn Moreau. Dr. Moreau, is this a groundbreaking move, or have we seen similar collaborations before?
Dr. Moreau: It’s a new chapter,absolutely! While the fusion of fashion and film isn’t entirely novel—think iconic red-carpet moments and designer collaborations on movie costumes—Ami Paris’s sponsorship of Cannes Critics’ Week marks a particularly strategic and impactful alliance.It’s not simply about superficial branding; it’s a deep dive into supporting the artistic foundations of cinema: the discovery and promotion of emerging talent.
The Evolution of Fashion and Film Partnerships
Senior editor: let’s delve into the meaning of this blend,why is it so important that Ami Paris has taken this step? What are the benefits?
Dr. Moreau: Until recently, these partnerships were often limited to the glitz and glamour of premieres or costume design. Now, we see a shift toward supporting the creative ecosystem. with AMI Paris,there’s now a fashion house dedicated to fostering and promoting the next generation of filmmakers.
Increased visibility for critics’ Week: This attracts more attention to the sidebar, highlighting the importance of recognizing new voices, encouraging new talent, and strengthening the film industry.
financial Support: Support for emerging directors helps them gain international recognition and receive funding. Ami Paris’s contribution is invaluable to the film industry.
Brand Alignment: Ami Paris is aligning itself with artistic integrity and a sense of style that is more than just clothing and is very strategic.
The Ami Paris Effect: A New Vision for Cinema
Senior Editor: What does the Ami Paris Grand Prize entail, and how does it contribute to the goals of Cannes Critics’ Week?
Dr. Moreau: The Ami Paris grand Prize is a very tangible way that Ami Paris amplifies the impact of Critics’ Week. The award will be given to the winning film in the sidebar, which will put even more spotlight on discovering new talent. The existence of the prize underscores Ami’s dedication to discovering new talent. The prize represents a considerable boost for a young filmmaker’s career and will open doors to future funding and recognition. This recognition can considerably impact future projects. It’s essentially a badge of honor and a powerful career launching pad that will help these filmmakers achieve industry success.
Alexandre Mattiussi’s Personal Touch: A Passion for Film
Senior editor: Alexandre Mattiussi, the founder of Ami paris, seems deeply invested in this partnership.How does his personal passion for cinema shape this collaboration?
Dr. Moreau: Yes,it’s clear that Mattiussi’s involvement goes far deeper than a sponsorship deal. his dedication and his personal projects, such as co-producing films like “The Beast” and “Enzo,” reveal an authentic love for filmmaking, making his position as a supporter of young directors, even more impactful.This long-term commitment to Critics’ Week speaks volumes about his belief in the program. it reflects a shift from superficial branding to a genuine partnership designed to discover talent and build something that will last for many years.
Implications for Emerging Filmmakers and the U.S. Film Industry
Senior Editor: How could this partnership help emerging filmmakers and the U.S. film industry?
Dr. moreau: It’s a win-win. Emerging filmmakers worldwide will have richer opportunities to access funding and boost their careers. For the U.S. film industry, this could possibly lead to greater diversity and a more diverse cinematic landscape. And more importantly,it provides an possibility to attract a wider range of American distributors and investors,which gives independent filmmakers a much better foothold in the industry.
the Future of Fashion and Film: A Promising Outlook
Senior Editor: What can we anticipate in the years to come for fashion-film collaborations?
Dr. Moreau: We will see more collaborations that involve the support of independent film and promotion of emerging filmmakers and, perhaps, a greater synergy of fashion and film.. This is a good thing. Fashion houses are starting to recognize their potential to be active participants, not just passive sponsors.
Long-Term Partnerships: Expect to see a greater shift toward ongoing relationships, such as the one ami Paris has entered into, that provide genuine, continued support.
creative Influence: Fashion brands could get more involved in the creative sides of the industry.
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