Potential Impact of Netflix-WB Deal on Top Film Festivals Cannes, Venice & Berlin

The blockbuster acquisition of Warner Bros. by Netflix raises significant questions for multiple tiers of the global entertainment industry. One area that could feel long-term effects is the highly competitive network of premier European film festivals.

Historically, Warner Bros. has been a coveted collaborator for events such as Cannes, Venice, and Berlin, frequently supplying high-profile titles for flagship screenings. Standout festival premieres have included Joker in Venice (2019), Baz Luhrmanns Elvis in Cannes (2022), and Bong Joon Hos Mickey 17 debuting in Berlin earlier this year.

Netflix, however, has faced a more turbulent festival track record. The streamer has not appeared in Cannes Official Selection since 2017 due to disputes over Frances theatrical release laws, which enforce lengthy delays between cinema and digital debuts. While some platforms must adhere to a 17-month window, Netflix is held to 15 months in exchange for increased investment in local productions. Cannes leadership has offered Out of Competition placement, yet Netflix has resisted attending without access to the competition lineup.

The platform nearly returned in 2020 with Spike Lees Da 5 Bloods, but the pandemic halted the festival, leading to an immediate streaming release instead. No return has been publicly indicated since.

Berlin has also proven challenging. Netflixs 2019 Competition slot for Isabel Coixets Elisa & Marcela spurred protests from German exhibitors, who claimed its limited theatrical footprint undermined cinema culture. Although the streamer appeared Out of Competition in 2024 with Spaceman, the event continues to reserve Competition status for theatrical-first entries.

Venice remains Netflixs consistent launchpad among Europes elite festivals. The platform has regularly dominated there, with three Competition premieres in 2025 and its 2018 Golden Lion win for Alfonso Cuarns Roma marking a pivotal shift toward prestige filmmaking in the streaming era.

With Warner Bros. headline projects now transitioning to Netflix, the merger could consolidate Venices influence while further distancing Cannes and Berlin, which have held firmer positions against streaming-led models. Yet outcomes remain uncertain as regulatory reviews proceed and the platform determines how to integrate its dramatically expanded film division.

Following the announcement, Netflix confirmed plans to preserve Warner Bros. existing operations and sustain theatrical releases, while also substantially increasing domestic production output.

Author: Jackson Miller