The Cannes festival, most awaited International Film event

The Cannes festival doesn’t need any introduction. High-society event highlighting the international and artistic cinema, it turns every year the beautiful port city of the French Riviera into a giant podium. On this occasion, stars, directors, producers, journalists and other members of the film industry, put on their finest evening wear and fill the city with glitter during the second half of May

Cannes Film Festival, a cultural event with a growing prestige

Created in 1946 by an initiative of Jean Zay, Minister of Public education and Fine arts at the time, the Cannes festival was intended to compete with the famous Venice Film Festival while highlighting the auteur film industry.

Initially set up to reward the best film, best actor and best director in an international competition, new prices have emerged over the years: the Jury Prize, the Grand Prix and the famous Palme d’Or; as well as new sections such as the Quinzaine, the Ciné Fondation, the Semaine de la critique (critics week), Un Certain Regard, and the Marché du Film (film market).

The 50s also mark a new era for the Cannes festival which is gaining popularity thanks the emancipation of the film and the presence of iconic artists such as Romy Schneider, Sophia Loren, Grace Kelly, Brigitte Bardot and many others.

The selections and projections of the Cannes film Festival

For two weeks, the festival projects more 80 films. This is a crucial time for many young filmmakers who hope to find partners and dealers to finance their films and selling them to big screen’s producers. The main screenings take place in the prestigious Palais des festivals et des congrès, famous for its red carpet. The other projection rooms are spread around the city. Access to the films is reserved for professionals (journalists, partners, distributors, actors etc …). However, the hostesses always allow individuals to enter if there is space remaining. So be elegantly dressed, discreet, and patient. (The projections are free of course).

Social events and entertainment during the Cannes festival

During the festival, the entire city of Cannes is under the spotlights. Mainly along the Croisette and around the harbor, many festivities take place: concerts on the beach, parades, parties, installation of movie sets, yachts… But also celebrities walking around. A tip if you go: take your camera (but be discrete). You may find yourself sitting in a cinema beside Steven Spielberg or sipping a cocktail on the terrace close to Leonardo Dicaprio…

Nota bene: This year 2016, the Cannes Film Festival celebrates 68 years and will take place from May 11th to 22nd.