Cannes Film Festival

Festival Location: Cannes, France

Festival Type(s): Film Festivals , Parties

Festival Photos of Cannes Film Festival: gallery 1

Festival Video: Cannes Film Festival

Fighting Fans - Cannes Film Festival

by © Joanne Lane 2008

"Dom! Dom!" The crowd around me was going wild as a black car swept past. Through the tinted windows a woman smiled and waved directly to me. She looked vaguely familiar but I could not place her.

When the doors opened and the passengers got out the crowd went beserk. People were screaming, camera lenses pushed out to get a glimpse of something, necks craned and everyone yelling "Dom, Dom!"

I was in the bedlam of the photographer's cum mad-fans pit outside the 57th Festival de Cannes and I still had no idea who "Dom" was. I finally figured she must be a major French celebrity as all the people around me we were calling out in French.

It wasn't until they were up on the famous red carpet leading to the festival hall and the list of film credits was read out that I realised "Dom" was actually "Tom", as in "Tom Hanks". The thick French accents had obscured his name. And the lovely lady was Mrs Tom Hanks whom we've all seen on other award nights. With salvaged pride I managed to get a few more shots off before Tom disappeared inside for the premier screening of "Lady Killers".

Such is the Festival de Cannes. The great thing is that it is not off-limits to the average tourist. If you're prepared to wait out the mediterranean sun and crowds then you too can see the likes of Sharon Stone, Naomi Campbell, Roger Moore, Omar Shariff, Nicole Kidman and many more.

It is also possible to get into the films themselves. You won't get to see Shrek 2, Kill Bill Vol. 2, the Ladykillers or any of the premier films, but there are many top quality lesser-known films that you can watch for free and without a press pass.

Simply line up at the registration area for your "invitation" and arrive about an hour before the films start to ensure a place as invitation seats are lowest priority. "Badges" are also available in the days prior to the event by providing some form of identification and give you a slightly higher priority.

Once you're inside of course is why we're all here - to see the movies. There are limitless number of movies being shown all day every day. Your type of pass will limit what films you can see and where but there is still a good selection available. Go to the tourism offices for schedules.

Unfortunately only the bigger cinemas provide subtitles in both English and French. So it is possible to watch a Spanish, Italian, Portugese, Chinese or Kazaksthanian film with only French subtitles - ooh la la indeed! Don't let it put you off if you want a real experience of Cannes. However it is best to have even a smattering knowledge of a Latin language to help you through.

At all cinemas someone will appear to introduce the film - in French - to often rousing applause from excited spectators. In larger cinemas for the premier showing the film director and actors will also come on stage to be interviewed... in French of course.

The expectant atmosphere in the cinema is infectious and people will call out, laugh, cheer and give standing ovations during or after the films or even at the words "Festival de Cannes" that appear at the beginning of each film. There's a general feeling of good will that only the magic of the cinema brings.

But you don't need to get into the cinema just to see the stars. For a glimpse of someone famous simply look for the crowds on the streets outside hotels, the cinemas or keep your eyes peeled. You are guaranteed to see someone.

For the first day in Cannes I wandered from place to place taking advantage of free opportunities and living the life of the average Cannes festival tourist until my media pass kicked in.

Much of the media and public talk for days after the screening still centered around Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill Vol. 2" as every journalist related their own tale of lining up to get in and being mostly unsuccessful, and fans about the actors they'd seen pass in cars, the back of their head, a wave... It was amazing to hear people talk so candidly in conversation about Uma and Quentin as if they knew them personally.

For anyone Cannes during the film festival is an atmosphere overload. There's makeup, women in heels, tans, muscles, bosoms, polished bodies and label clothes. At first everyone seems to be on mobiles flashing badges and accreditations or tripods, talking about film schedules and interviews with the likes of Elizabeth Hurley and Dennis Quaid or attending the Tom Hanks party. Film crews interview outside the Palais de Festival, journalists wait in cyber cafes to transmit data or wander around looking busy.

But everyone gets to partake in the glamour. Media scrum pits are joined by the average joe-bloe with his camera as long as you get their early enough. You can also mingle, admire or wander amongst the champagne drinking yacht owners at the port. And don't be intimidated by the designer label cafes and shops. They are full of as many window shoppers as real buyers.

It's all about looking the part or feeling involved. Sport a nice dress and pretend you're someone or know someone and no one will know the difference. At Cannes there are enough parties, films, cafes and sunshine for everyone.

Other Things to See

When it's not in the throes of a festival Cannes is still a regal centre on the Cote d'Azur, bristling with better-dressed tourists who come for the apertif's, sun, fine-living and cosmopolitan atmosphere. It's also just a hairs breath from Monaco and Nice so it's possible to base in any of the towns and day trip to the others.

In Cannes itself you can people-watch along the boulevards, sip coffee by the sea-side, gaze at the famous handprints near the Palais de Festival and enjoy the numerous beaches.

How to do it

The most difficult thing about getting to Cannes for the festival will be finding accomodation. Unless you book well in advance it will be hard and you will pay top Euros. Try staying in a town nearby and commute in by bus or train. The film festival takes place in mid May every year and the last Sunday coincides with the grand prix in Monaco.

Getting Into the Films

All the major films are a closed shop. Even journalists find it difficult to secure a place in the major showcases. You can get badge and invitation tickets from the Cannes Cinephiles and Tourism Office just outside the Palais de films. You will still need to queue up to get yourself a seat and you are limited to films that are not in competition.

To get a badge you simply need to apply in advance and use some form of identification. Media passes are easily acquired with the right accreditation. The show pieces of the festival are off limits to almost everyone. You do need to be Tom Hanks or Nicole Kidman. But if you see them walk up the red carpet just once, it's usually enough without being there yourself.

When to Go

Because this part of the French coast enjoys a temperate climate the weather is generally good year round but improves after March. By the time of the festival the weather is warm and fine.

by Joanne Lane

Festival Photos of Cannes Film Festival: gallery 1

Cannes Film Festival Dates and Location

Cannes Film Festival is held annually in the French city of Cannes in May. For more information check out www.festival-cannes.fr.

Accommodation

Hotels in Cannes, France

Cannes Film Festival Video

A sneek peak at the posing, partying and premieres going on at the Cannes Film Festival version 2006, from Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier the guys behind Clerks II.