Cannes: More Than Just Glitter

The cannes Film Festival, often associated with glamour and celebrity, is preparing to showcase its deeper purpose. According to Iris KnoBloch, the festival’s president, Cannes is consciously reconnecting with its origins.

KnoBloch stated last April, The festival was born in 1939 the desire to offer filmmakers around the world and their films a land of welcome, an asylum, sometimes even in the literal sense. He was born from the desire to bring together all those who, beyond their differences, speak of a single language, that of cinema. For almost 80 years, the Cannes Film Festival has been dialing with Le Monde and has embodied a daring, curious and open France.

A History Forged in Political Turmoil

The festival’s inception was a direct response to the Venice Film Festival, which had fallen under the sway of mussolini’s fascist regime and the influence of Nazi Germany.The 1938 Venice Film Festival awarded “The Stadium Gods” by Nazi director Leni Riefenstahl as “Best Film.” Cannes was conceived as an alternative, a haven for filmmakers free from political manipulation.

The inaugural Cannes Film Festival was scheduled for 1939 but was canceled due to the outbreak of World War II. The festival finally debuted in 1946.The festival was canceled for the first time as of the declaration of war.

The festival faced another disruption in May 1968, amidst student demonstrations, highlighting its sensitivity to socio-political currents.

Embracing Openness and Hope

KnoBloch sees parallels between the festival’s origins and the present day,emphasizing the importance of its core values. She stated:

at a time when the temptation of withdrawal has never been so great, this message of openness and hope is fundamental. We are more than ever aware of the role that the Cannes festival plays by its cultural and media impact. This opening for the other, for the different, for the new, constitutes the very essence of his identity, of his DNA.it is this curiosity that gives us collectively, the most beautiful emotions.

Looking ahead to the 78th Edition

The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival promises to be a significant event, not only for the films it will showcase but also for its reaffirmation of values that are more relevant than ever. The festival’s commitment to cultural exchange and artistic freedom serves as a powerful counterpoint to the forces of division and isolation.

The films of the Official Selection and the events of the 78th edition will be unveiled during the press conference in Paris on April 10 [[3]].

FAQ: cannes Film Festival

• What is the Cannes Film Festival?

  The Cannes Film Festival is an annual film festival held in Cannes,France,which previews new films of all genres,including documentaries,from all around the world.

• When will the winners of the La Cinef film school prizes be announced?

  The winners of the La Cinef film school prizes will be announced on Thursday 22 May by the Short Film & La Cinef jury [[2]].

• When will the films of the Official selection be unveiled?

  The films of the Official Selection and the events of the 78th edition will be unveiled during the press conference in Paris on April 10 [[3]].