Ford Pulls Away from Cannes in a Van

After a successful two years in the driving seat, Ford Motor Company has ceased to continue its support as main sponsor of the smallest mobile film festival in the world, Cannes in a Van, amidst a restructure of sponsorship activity.

The festival isn't the only casualty, as Ford will also end their 21-year relationship with UEFA's Champions League at the end of the 2013-14 season culminating with this month's final in Lisbon, it has been announced.

Rear-view success

Cannes in a Van's success in 2013 saw its annual awards ceremony, The Van d'Or Independent Film Awards, attract a judging panel led by Bend it Like Beckham director, Gurinda Chadha OBE, and Oscar-nominated producer Samantha Waite. In a continuation to push independent cinema, 2013 also saw a Cannes in a Van screening at the Venice Film Festival (below).

“We are grateful for Ford's support over the last two years, which has enabled us to build a respected festival and awards event (The Van d'Ors), giving emerging filmmakers a platform on the international stage,” states Cannes in a Van founder and festival director, Andy Greenhouse.

Driving support

“But without the help of alternative-thinking brands like Ford, we are unable to continue the festival. This would have been our eighth year in Cannes and we have great plans for the project but we've stalled and now need a knight in shining van-shaped armour to give us a bump-start!”

Amidst a lack of funds Cannes in a Van continues its efforts of promoting and distributing independent cinema using its global reach. Films due to be screened this year include the BAFTA-nominated short Everything I Can See From Here and award-winning drama Callum.

The road ahead

The event also runs Screen Social, Cannes in a Van's bi-monthly 'filmusic' screening event and the festival also continues to receive support from London-based creative motion agency Swhype as its collaboration continues to push the distribution of independent cinema to the masses.

Cannes in a Van is now actively seeking sponsorship whilst still continuing its preparations for the 2014 edition of The Van d'Or Independent Film Awards.

To find out more about sponsorship opportunities, email Andy Greenhouse.