Peripheral or not? Cinema of small countries in the programming of international film festivals

Abstract

Despite the increasing production capacities of small countries, their films struggle to reach international audiences. Festivals could help these productions achieve global exposure and secure distribution deals. Building on research on transnational film flows, small media markets, and film festivals, this article investigates power relations in the global film industry and assesses whether the smallness of production countries equates to their peripherality. It uses the Cinando database to empirically examine the representation of 170 countries in the programming of 578 festivals from 2009 to 2021. Findings suggest that the larger the country’s population and wealth, the more likely its films will be featured in festivals. While small-population, wealthy countries are increasingly included, especially outside top-tier events, productions from less wealthy small-population nations remain overlooked. These results indicate that less populous countries, particularly those of lower incomes, remain peripheral in the film industry, with festivals failing to improve their global reach.