Cannes Film Festival 2017

The History of the Cannes Film Festival

Held in one of the most beautiful locations in the world, the celebrations attract thousands of people whether they be actors and actresses at the top of their game or big name directors. The glitz and the glamour will definitely be arriving to the French Riviera on the 17th to the 28th of May. 


Timeline

July 1938 - The 'Venice Mostra' was the first international film festival. It saw pre-war film producing countries gather together to show their creations. An American film was unanimously judged as the favourite but due to political tension, high pressure from Hitler and the various propaganda films, an Italian film won the highest accolade, 'The Mussolini Cup', instead.
This caused great outrage among the democratic countries. France, Great Britain and the USA all left the Mostra and vowed to never return. 

May 1939 - Feeling like a new festival needed to replace the Mostra, the town of Cannes and the government signaled the official establishment of the 'International Film Festival'.

June 1939 - The announcement of the International Film Festival is made in France to the media.

23rd August 1939 - The German-Soviet Pact was announced. Tourists fled from Cannes at a rapid pace and put all plans for the festival on hold. One film was privately screened.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame: privately screened in 1939

1st - 20th September 1939 - The first festival is initially scheduled to take place. All film-producing countries were invited to ease already high tensions, including Italy and Germany. Their invitation was declined.

1st September 1939 - Germany invaded Poland. The film festival was scheduled to start from this date but unfortunately never happened.

3rd September 1939 - World War II is declared.

20th Sept 1946 - The International Film Festival is launched and opened at the gardens of the Grand Hotel. An incredible atmosphere was enjoyed by all, including fireworks, fashion shows and music. Featuring 19 countries, big names in the industry were already showing their interest such as Walt Disney and Roberto Rossellini. 

1948 & 1950 - Events were cancelled due to the lack of funds.

Venice Mostra 1949

1950's - The festival's popularity soared thanks to names such as Grace Kelly, Brigette Bardot, Sophia Loren and Cary Grant all showing their interest.

Eternally beautiful Grace Kelly, 1955

1952 - The event was moved to the month of May where it has stayed ever since.

1956 - Six films were censored due to diplomatic events involving the Cold War.

1959 - The Culture Minister, Andre Malraux, became Head of Festival Organisation and had the responsibility of approving the selection of films sent in. He pushed for bolder and more politically charged films to be shown.
The Festival General Delegate, Robert Favre Le Bret, began travelling to broaden the selection of industry professionals involved in the event. This saw stars such as Sean Connery, Bette Davis and John Wayne attend. By allowing this to happen, the film industry was better promoted as a whole and encouraged more networking. 

Andre Malraux, Head of Festival Organisation

May 1968 - This year's festival was upstaged and disrupted due to the event becoming more of a forum for protests and meetings.

1971 & 1972 - Veteran actors, Charlie Chaplin & Groucho Marx, were tributed.

1972 - The Festival de Cannes became recognised as a public service.

1983 - The new building was completed for the ceremony named 'Palais des Festivals et des Congres'. 

The Palais de Festival et des Congres

1984 - The event began renewing its determination to seek out new talents and defend their freedom of expression. More diverse countries like India, China and Australia were featured and emerging directors such as Lars von Trier and Spike Lee shared their creations.

1987 - This year's event saw a controversial closing ceremony where the winner of the Palme d'or raised his first to the jeers of the public. 

Maurice Pialat - Winner of the Palme d'or 1987

1988 - The old site of the Film Festival, the Palais Croisette, is demolished.

1989 - Hundreds of directors are brought together for a major debate regarding the celebration of the fall of the Berlin Wall as well as the anniversary of the Declaration of Human & Citizen's Right.

1990's - This decade included directors from all over the world including Africa and Asia.

1997 - The 50th anniversary saw all the Palme d'or winning directors gather on stage.

1998 - A category for short and medium length films was created. 

2000 - Young directors were invited to the event to polish up their screenplays and writing skills at the 'Residence'.
Gilles Jacob became the President of the Festival and introduced a new three-act opening ceremony.

Gilles Jacob: President of the Film Festival

2004 - 'Cannes Classics' was introduced and presented restored copies of older features. They also paid homages to the film making industries and documentaries.

2005 - A new organisation was created, 'Atelier', which helps 20 directors per year fund their projects.

2007 - This year marked the 60th anniversary. Thierry Fremaux was appointed as General Delegate.

33 of the world's greatest directors took the stage to present their 3 minute long feature on the theme of the cinema hall.

2010 - 'Cannes Court Metrage' was made to show global creativity in the short film sector.

2014 - Pierre Lescure was elected President of the Festival de Cannes, taking over from Gilles Jacob who took the title of Honorary President.

Pierre Lescure: President of the Festival de Cannes 2014

17th - 28th May 2017 

And this year is the 70th anniversary!
With so much to look forward to, it really is the biggest year yet. Italian actress, Monica Bellucci, will be hosting the opening and closing ceremonies and the event's gorgeous poster features actress, Claudia Cardinale. 

We can't wait to see the stars take to the red carpet and find out who wins the prestigious Palme d'or award this year. 

Monica Bellucci: Host of the opening & ceremonies 2017

Don't want to miss out on next year's event?
Why not speak to one of our French Riviera villa and apartment consultants today:

+44 (0) 1244 629963 

enquiries@elegant-address.com

Guide To Attending Cannes Lions

Cannes Lions International Festival for Creativity is one of the most prestigious and well known festivals for the media industry and, from 2016, the music industry.With tickets starting from €1,495 for two days of the week-long event (unless you’re a student who can splash out €895) you need to plan ahead to be able make the most of your time visiting this exciting international event.

We have created a beginners guide to attending the Cannes Lions Festival to help you enjoy your visit and make the most of the opportunities and events.

Packing for your visit

There is no strict dress code for the festival during the day, so just wear what you feel comfortable and confident in, especially when choosing your shoes as there is plenty of walking to be done! There are a number of Galas and six Award Ceremonies to celebrate the worlds best creative communications…and give you the opportunity to dress up for the evening in Cannes!

Getting There

The nearest airport is Nice which is approximately 30 minutes away by car, with taxis costing around €75-€85 to take you to the main strip in Cannes.  Elegant Address also offers private chauffeurs and helicopter services as an alternative.

The festival itself is predominantly held in the Palais des Festivals which is located at 1 Boulevard de la Croisette, but there will be plenty of banners and stewards to help you find your way!

Collecting your pass

Once you register as a Cannes Lions Delegate and buy your pass, you will receive a confirmation email with a unique barcode. Follow the signs to Registration to collect your delegate badge as soon as you arrive at the Palais des Festivals. You will need some photo ID (passport or driving licence).

The Talks

Speakers range from grand audiences with global superstars and CEOs to intimate talks or practical sessions with inspirational individuals and knowledgeable insiders.

Creativity Masterclasses: Learn from the best in the business and those making the biggest impact in the media work in a small, informal space by the main exhibition area.

Creative Inspiration Seminars: Designed to spark and motivate your creativity. Held on the famous main stages, these sessions have no specific themes, they simple designed to explore all areas and forms of creativity.  

Creativity in Focus Forums: With a new theme every day, these talks explore the challenge and opportunities faced by the creative industry.

Cannes Lions Workshops: One of the most popular attractions of the Cannes Lions Festival, the workshops provide a clearly identified curriculum of practical sessions with great learnings and insights to take home with you.

See who is speaking at Cannes Lions 2016: https://www.canneslions.com/whats_on/our_speakers/#all/ 

Cannes Film Festival 2016

The Festival de Cannes or ‘Cannes Film Festival’ is a highlight of the French Riviera calendar and major event attended by some of the World’s most famous and influential faces. This prestigious annual film festival is hosted each May at the Palais des Festivals on the sunny Croisette next to the Vieux Port.

The International Film Festival was first created by the Minister for Education and Fine Arts, Jean Zay, who wanted to establish an international culture event in France to rival the Venice Film Festival. The first ever festival was held on 20th September 1946 after the war ended. Now, after rapidly gaining an international reputation, this year marks the 69th Cannes Film Festival which starts on 11 May and runs until 22 May 2016.

With luxury villas in Cannes and hotels in walking distance to the Palais being booked up well in advance and fashion designers creating couture pieces for the celebrities on the red carpet; every luxury brand from bespoke diamonds to luxe sports cars and superyachts, want to be a part of this prestigious event. 
This is the place to be seen and remembered!

Cannes Film Festival 2016

The Cannes Festival is opening with Woody Allen’s ‘Café Society’ which stars big names Kristen Stewart, Jesse Eisenberg, Blake Lively, Steve Carrell and Parker Posey – This is the third time the director has fired up the film festival.

The president of this year’s jury is Australian producer, screenwriter and director of ‘Mad Max’; George Miller. Other members of the 2016 film jury include Vanessa Paraid, Kirsten Dunst, Mads Mikkelsen and Donald Sutherland. They have the incredible task of choosing the award winners of the 21 films competiting, including the Winner of the acclaimed Palme d’Or. 

The Palme d’Or is the highest accolade at the Cannes Film Festival, awarded to the best film in the official selection.  Since 1998, the trophy has been crafted annually at the Chopard workshops in Meyrin near Geneva, it takes 7 craftsmen around 40 hours for the process including injecting fair mined certified gold into the mould and mounting it to the rock crystal pedestal.

We will be keeping you up to date with the latest Cannes Film Festival news, fashion and awards on our Facebook and Twitter so stay tuned!

See the list of films being shown: http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/selection/competition-1

View the 2106 screening guide here: http://www.festival-cannes.fr/en/article/61347.html