77th Cannes Film Festival: cinema meets controversy
While the red carpets promise to dazzle, underlying tensions threaten to overshadow the cinematic celebration – including political controversies, labor strikes, and a potential #MeToo reckoning
77th Cannes Film Festival: event can be turned into political fodder
Cultural events have recently become political battlegrounds. At the Met Gala, celebrities faced criticism for not taking a stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, with activists using the hashtag #blockout2024 to call for boycotts of non-committal celebrities. Similarly, the Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden was embroiled in controversy over Israel’s participation, leading to protests and polarized social media campaigns.
The film industry has not been immune to political acts. British director Jonathan Glazer faced backlash when he called Israel’s attacks on Gaza an act of “dehumanization” while accepting an Oscar for his film “The Zone of Interest.”
As the Cannes Film Festival begins, it does so amidst a climate where any event can be turned into political fodder. Last year, the festival faced backlash for featuring Johnny Depp’s film “Jeanne du Barry” on opening night. This year, potential labor unrest looms as the French collective “Sous les écrans la dèche” calls for a strike among festival workers. Additionally, a French #MeToo reckoning may unfold, with Mediapart reportedly preparing a new exposé.
Thierry Fremaux, General Delegate of the Festival de Cannes, addressed these concerns at a pre-festival press conference. “Last year, we had a few polemics, and we realized it, and so this year we decided to host a festival without polemics to make sure that the main interest for us all to be here is cinema,” Fremaux said. “So if there are other polemics, it doesn’t concern us.”
This year’s Cannes Film Festival promises to be a dazzling event, but with underlying tensions and potential controversies, it remains to be seen whether the focus will stay on cinema or shift to the broader cultural and political issues at play.
77th Cannes Film Festival – The Stars and the Spectacle
The glamour of Cannes is not solely confined to the films but extends to the stars who attend. Every year, celebrities and filmmakers from around the globe flock to the festival, turning the red carpet into a spectacle of fashion and celebrity culture. This year is no exception. The appearance of A-list stars in haute couture creations often sets fashion trends and creates memorable moments that are talked about for years. From the elegance of Greta Gerwig’s Maison Margiela gown to the expected sartorial statements from other top stars, the red carpet is a battleground for fashion houses aiming to dress the most photographed personalities.
Behind the Scenes: Deals and Discussions, 77th Cannes Film Festival
While the red carpet garners most of the public’s attention, the real action happens behind the scenes. Cannes is not just a film festival but a marketplace where distribution rights are bought and sold, and future projects are pitched and financed. Executives, producers, and talent agents work tirelessly in meetings and negotiations, ensuring that the festival remains a crucial hub for the global film industry. The deals made at Cannes can determine the success of films in various international markets, making it an essential event for the business side of cinema.
The Jury and the Films at the 77th Cannes Film Festival
The selection of Greta Gerwig as the president of the jury highlights a progressive shift within the festival. Gerwig’s recent success with the Barbie movie has cemented her as a prominent figure in the industry, and her leadership role at Cannes symbolizes a break from the traditionally male-dominated positions. The jury’s composition and decisions will be closely watched, as they not only reflect on the films in competition but also on the festival’s commitment to diversity and innovation.
Among the films competing, some have already generated buzz. Kinds of Kindness by Yorgos Lanthimos promises to be a strong contender, given Lanthimos’s track record of critical and commercial success. Paolo Sorrentino’s Parthenope and Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Perez are also highly anticipated, each bringing unique storytelling and star power to the festival. Megalopolis by Francis Ford Coppola adds a layer of intrigue, as the legendary director returns with a film that many are eager to see after its two decades in the works.
Controversies and Challenges – 77th Cannes Film Festival
Yet, the festival is not without its controversies. Ali Abbasi’s The Apprentice is expected to stir debates, especially given its subject matter involving Donald Trump. The film’s portrayal of Trump’s early career in real estate during a politically charged election cycle could draw attention and potentially divide audiences.
In addition to cinematic controversies, external political issues have increasingly encroached on cultural events. The backlash against celebrities at the Met Gala for their silence on political matters and the protests surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest illustrate a broader trend where cultural events are scrutinized for their political implications.
The Cannes Film Festival itself has faced criticism in the past, and this year’s potential labor strikes and #MeToo allegations may add to the festival’s challenges. The call for a workers’ strike by “Sous les écrans la dèche” could disrupt the festival’s operations, while Mediapart’s anticipated report on new #MeToo allegations may spark a reckoning within the French film industry.
Moving Forward
As Thierry Fremaux emphasized, the primary focus of the Cannes Film Festival remains on cinema. Despite the surrounding polemics, the festival aims to celebrate the art of filmmaking and the creativity of those who contribute to the industry. The 77th Cannes Film Festival stands as a testament to the enduring power of cinema, even as it navigates the complex interplay of art, politics, and commerce.
This year’s festival will undoubtedly be a mix of glamour and controversy, showcasing the best of global cinema while reflecting the broader societal issues that influence the entertainment world. Whether the spotlight will shine favorably on the films and their creators or become a beacon for controversy remains to be seen, or hopefully unseen.
