Jacaranda Books, the award-winning independent publisher known for championing diverse voices, made a standout appearance at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. The London-based press was one of only 12 publishers selected globally to participate in the 11th edition of Shoot The Book!, a prestigious event at the Marché du Film that connects literary works with screen adaptation opportunities.

Jacaranda pitched Living the Dream, the debut novel by Isabelle Dupuy, to an audience of international film and television producers eager to discover the next big story for the screen.

The book, a comedy-thriller set during the year of the Brexit vote in a wealthy London borough, delves into themes of race, identity, power, and womanhood. It centeres on Naomi, a mixed-race immigrant from Colombia grappling with her place in an increasingly alienating city and marriage.

Jacaranda’s CEO Valerie Brandes delivered the pitch in the Press Conference Room of the Festival de Cannes. Reflecting on the moment, Brandes shared “[This] was a very proud moment for Jacaranda and myself as Publisher. As our first foray into the world of book to film adaptations, we had an excellent experience, made great connections and our book Living The Dream was wonderfully well-received.”

Also present for the pitch was author Isabelle Dupuy, who described the experience as unforgettable: “…to see my first novel featured at the Cannes Film Festival was incredible. To hear my publisher Valerie Brandes tell its story on stage is an experience I will always cherish and remember.”

Shoot The Book! is an annual event organized by SCELF (Société Civile des Éditeurs de Langue Française) in collaboration with the Marché du Film. It aims to bridge the worlds of literature and cinema by connecting international publishers with producers interested in adapting compelling stories for the screen. The 2025 edition featured works from France, Switzerland, the U.S., and, uniquely, Jacaranda as the sole UK publisher represented.

Following the presentation, Brandes and Jacaranda’s Campaigns Manager, Niki Igbaroola, took part in more than 390 meetings between publishers and producers, furthering conversations not only about Living the Dream but also about Jacaranda’s broader catalogue.

Congratulations to Jacaranda Books on this huge step!