What is Cannes Festival?

Starting from Tuesday, May 14th, 2024, a quaint city nestled in the south of France will transform into a bustling hub for cinephiles, filmmakers, distributors, and movie buffs alike. Cannes, renowned for its annual film festival, stands proudly among the three most prestigious cinematic events globally, alongside Berlin and Venice.

Dating back to 1938, the Cannes Film Festival boasts a rich history of showcasing countless cinematic masterpieces. For filmmakers and producers, securing a premiere at Cannes is a monumental achievement. It bestows upon their work the prestigious tag of having premiered at Cannes, opening doors to other elite festivals. Notably, Cannes stands out for its strict policy of only allowing world premieres, distinguishing itself from many other festivals.

With over 10 diverse categories, including the highly esteemed “In Competition” and “Un Certain Regard“, Cannes offers a platform for a wide array of cinematic voices. The “In Competition” section, reserved for renowned directors and previous festival alumni, symbolizes the pinnacle of cinematic excellence. While the chances of debut directors securing a spot here are slim, notable gems like the international sensation “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” have emerged from this category.

Meanwhile, “Un Certain Regard” provides a spotlight for innovative and unconventional films, although they may not receive as much immediate acclaim as those in the main competition. Notable films like “Udaan” and “Manto” from Bollywood have found their place in this category, earning recognition for their distinct storytelling.

The festival’s major categories each boast their own prestigious awards, but none shine brighter than the coveted “Palme d’Or” or Golden Palm. This esteemed award has catapulted many films to global acclaim, including the likes of “Parasite” from South Korea, which later made history by winning the Academy Award for Best Picture.

India shares a longstanding relationship with the festival, dating back to the premiere of Chetan Anand’s “Neecha Nagar” in 1946. Over the years, luminaries like Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen have graced Cannes with their cinematic brilliance, earning accolades and admiration. Mira Nair’s debut film, “Salaam Bombay”, even clinched the prestigious “Caméra d’Or” award, highlighting Cannes’ commitment to nurturing first-time filmmakers.

This year marks a significant milestone for Indian cinema, as Payal Kapadia’s latest film, “All We Imagine as Light”, enters the main competition after a 30-year hiatus. Congratulations and best wishes to all the talented filmmakers embarking on this extraordinary journey at the Cannes Film Festival.