The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most important film events in the world. It takes place every year on the French Riviera and attracts crowds of tourists, and fans of cinematography and movie stars.

The Cannes Film Festival has taken place (almost) every year since 1946. During this event, Cannes, which is a luxury resort on the French Riviera, turns into the world capital of cinematography. The festival takes place most often in May and it is definitely worth visiting the Cote d’Azur at this time.

The Cannes Film Festival – the most iconic event on the French Riviera?

The Cannes Film Festival dates back to World War II. At that time, the French Minister of National Education came up with the idea of organizing a festival that was better than the politicized Venice Festival. The beginning of the war thwarted the idea, but just after the war, the first edition took place. At first, the festival struggled with a lack of funds, but after numerous scandals and love affairs related to film stars, the event gained international interest.

Cannes Film Festival, French Riviera

Cannes Film Festival, French Riviera

The festival is a competition in which several different prizes are awarded. The main award is the Golden Palm (Palme d’Or), which is currently awarded to the best film chosen by a jury. This award was introduced into the competition in 1955. Previously, the films fought for the Grand Prix title.

The most characteristic element of the event is the stairs with the red carpet. These lead to the interior of the festival palace, built especially for the event. During the festival, the red carpet is changed every day, movie stars and movie producers drive along the famous La Croisette boulevard and stop in front of the stairs while crowds of photographs wait for the best shots.

Interesting facts about the Cannes Film Festival:

  • During the festival, Cannes turns into a movie city. Everywhere there are huge commercials for film premieres, and announcements about planned meetings with film stars.
  • Tickets for competitive shows can be bought with a little luck and a wealthy wallet. Alternatively, you can dress up and wait at the festival palace for an announcement that you can buy a place. Lots of cinema fans do this, hoping for luck.
  • Every evening, after the main part of the Cannes Film Festival is over, exclusive events for invited guests take place. People meet on private beaches, on yachts moored in the bay overlooking the city, or in rented luxury villas nearby.
  • Cannes is awfully crowded during the festival. If you want to relax on the French Riviera, it would be better to visit the region outside the festival period. However, it is worth seeing this extraordinary movie event and feel the great atmosphere the resort has during this time.
Cannes Film Festival, French Riviera

Cannes Film Festival, French Riviera

Official website: festival-cannes.com