What to Pack for Cannes: Must-Haves for Screenwriters

Packing for the Cannes Film Festival as a screenwriter isn’t just about clothes — it’s about preparing to network, pitch, and make lasting impressions. From fashion to professional tools, here’s your essential packing list to help you show up ready, confident, and prepared for anything the festival throws at you.

✅ CLOTHING ESSENTIALS

DAYTIME CASUAL (MARCHE DU FILM):

✅ Smart casual outfits — clean, comfortable clothes like chinos or jeans, paired with a shirt or blouse

✅ A light blazer or jacket for a polished look

✅ Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be on your feet a lot)

EVENING WEAR:

✅ Black tie outfit — tuxedo or evening dress for premiere invitations

✅ Stylish but comfortable dress shoes or heels

✅ Light coat or shawl for cooler evenings

✅ PROFESSIONAL GEAR

SCRIPTWRITING MATERIALS:

✅ Printed pitch sheets or one-pagers

✅ Logline cheat sheet for quick reference

✅ USB drive with your script or reel (just in case)

TECH SETUP:

✅ Laptop or tablet with your portfolio and pitch deck

✅ Portable charger or power bank

✅ Headphones for reviewing audio/visual material

✅ NETWORKING TOOLS

BUSINESS CARDS:

✅ Bring plenty of cards with your contact info

✅ Include a QR code linking to your website or online portfolio

PROMO MATERIALS:

✅ Link to a sizzle reel or trailer (hosted online)

✅ Printed flyers or cards with your script’s logline and genre

SOCIAL APPS READY:

✅ LinkedIn and Instagram profiles updated

✅ A folder on your phone with relevant links to share easily

✅ HEALTH & COMFORT

EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS:

✅ Sunglasses and sunscreen — the Côte d’Azur sun is no joke

✅ Reusable water bottle

✅ Healthy snacks (protein bars, nuts) to keep you going during long days

FIRST AID:

✅ Band-aids (for blisters)

✅ Painkillers and any personal medication

✅ Hand sanitizer and tissues

✅ DOCUMENTS & FESTIVAL INFO

TRAVEL & FESTIVAL DOCUMENTS:

✅ Printed accreditation

✅ Hotel or apartment booking confirmation

✅ Travel insurance and ID/passport

CANNES ESSENTIALS:

✅ Festival schedule (printed or in the app)

✅ List of key contacts and meeting times

✅ Local map or offline navigation app

Packing smartly for Cannes ensures you're not only dressed for success but fully equipped to seize opportunities. Every conversation can be a career changer — so having the right tools on hand can make all the difference.