The Crown and Pieces Of A Woman star Vanessa Kirby has joined the jury of the fourth edition of Wscripted’s Cannes Screenplay List presented in collaboration with global streaming platform Mubi.
The initiative, launched in 2021, supports screenplays by women and non-binary writers and writer-directors. The list is pitched to producers during the Cannes Film Market to expand deal opportunities for the nominated talents.
“It is a pleasure to join Wscripted on this brilliant initiative. There is still such a clear disparity between the number of male and female led projects, and I am so pleased to unite with Wscripted to support and elevate the next generation of formidable female talent that I know are going to shape the cinema of the future,” said Kirby.
Alongside her acting career, Kirby co-founded production company Aluna Entertainment in 2021, alongside former Film4 exec Lauren Dark, with the mission of championing female creatives and stories.
Aluna Entertainment secured a multi-year first look deal with Netflix shortly after to create female led cinema and television, who are developing a number of projects alongside the most exciting filmmakers with the same mission.
Ellie Jamen, founder and CEO of Wscripted, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Vanessa for this year’s jury. Her work as an exceptional actress and producer with her company Aluna Entertainment truly aligns with our mission at Wscripted and the curation of the Cannes Screenplay List.”
Wscripted’s Cannes Screenplay List has supported 68 feature scripts from filmmakers across the world to date, spanning across genres like elevated horror and romantic comedy.
The 2023 selection showcased 12 feature projects, including the debut feature of Coralie Watanabe Prosper, which is produced by Hirokazu Kore-eda’s production company, and the debut feature of Bethan Marlow, produced by ieie productions, Ffilm Cymru (financed by BFI), and Ardimages UK.
“Every year, we work towards expanding the reach of the list to expand opportunities for women and non-binary writers. To have Vanessa on the jury is incredibly impactful and we look forward to announcing this year’s selection” said Jamen.
Global streaming platform, production company, and distributor Mubi has been a recurring partner of Wscripted and its Cannes Screenplay List since 2022.
Wscripted is still accepting applications for the Fourth Cannes Screenplay List through April 1 for original feature scripts in English and French.
The list will be unveiled during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
