As the 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival came to a close last Sunday, we went behind-the-scenes to get an eye-report from Breaking Glass Pictures, a full-service east coast distribution company who was there to buy and sell films. Along with the royal red carpet, Lady Gaga, Stellan Skarsgard (“THOR”), Faye Dunaway (honored on the Cannes 2011 Poster) and John C Reilly (“We Need to Talk About Kevin”) are captured in their Cannes photos attached to this story.

Rich Wolff, CEO and Co-President of Breaking Glass Pictures described the Cannes 2011 buzz, "This has been the best film market for buying and selling films since the recession in 2008.  French food, watching great movies, partying with movie stars, and meetings overlooking the French Riviera is not a bad way to make a living." When they weren’t working (or is this work?), Breaking Glass Pictures COO Susan Helfrich shared their team’s Top 5 Favorites for Cannes 2011:

1. “Walking down the Croisette, Lady Gaga was performing on the beach during the second night of Cannes."

2. “Another favorite was lunching in the American Pavilion with Faye Dunaway and Swedish Actor Stellan Skarsgard (THOR and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.)”

3. “Laughing with Perez Hilton, it was a blast.”

4. “Photo with Writer, Director, Producer Nicolas Winding Refn (The Chosen 7), from one of the most talked about films, Drive starring Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan.”

5.  “Our favorite party was the Star-studded celebration on the beach under the moonlight at the American Pavilion with John Cameron Mitchell spinning (Shortbus Rabbit Hole) with John C Reilly and Ezra Miller, who star in We Need to Talk about Kevin with Tilda Swinton."

Breaking Glass Pictures arrived at Cannes 2011 to acquire 10 to 15 films that appeal to both mainstream and genre audiences. They also entered the international sales arena with a slate of 30 titles, which they are selling worldwide.  Richard Ross, Co-President of Breaking Glass Pictures explained, "This year's mood was exciting and upbeat. Business was brisk and product line up was enticing. The film business is indeed evolving, but it is still a very strong business." Breaking Glass Pictures scheduled meetings with many producers and directors to talk about their current and future projects.

Established in 2009, Breaking Glass Pictures, including its specialty labels, Vicious Circle Films, and QC Cinema, takes a targeted approach to its genre releases including Horror/Thriller, LGBT, documentary and provocative, independent fare. With a growing catalog of over 70 titles, including Spirit Award winner, “Easier with Practice,” “The Lottery” (documentary short listed for a 2010 Academy Award nomination), Tribeca's outrageous selection “Ticked Off Trannies with Knives,” and John Hurt in another festival favorite, “An Englishman in New York,” they have an international sales team that continues to expand.

Many thanks to Breaking Glass Pictures for bringing us back these Cannes 2011 photos and favorites. We’ll see you at the festival next year!

© Liz H Kelly, National Digital Entertainment Reporter, Sunrise Road Media, http://sunriseroadmedia.com