Cannes Film Festival

Festival de Cannes

Speaking the language of 'cinema' for almost two weeks in May, a quarter of a million people will be attempting to make that direct contact together. Since its first incarnation in 1939 as the 'International Film Festival' the sea-side resort of Cannes was chosen for its "sunshine and enchanting setting". The first festival, held at the former 'Casino de Cannes', didn't actually take place until 1946, after World War II had ended.

Cannes turned out to be the perfect location for what was envisioned as a tourist event and more of a showcase for films than a competition, since almost every film went home with a prize. With stars meeting the press at the beach where starlets vamped about in bikinis it did not take too long before the festival became the stellar event the world has come to know.

Industry Economics

Once the importance of the festival to the film industry was realized economics influenced the focus of the event, giving it a more polished and promotional appeal. Thierry Fremaux, the General Delegate of the Festival de Cannes, might even be indicating further changes when saying,

"By appointing me General Delegate in August 2007, the President Gilles Jacob and the Board of the Festival de Cannes wanted to project the future Cannes. Following the sixtieth anniversary in 2007, a new cycle has opened on the Croisette."

Whatever changes might be planned there will still be films screened, careers influenced, celebrity parties, red carpets, stunning attire and paparazzi. Such a media frenzy was not always a part of the early years of the festival.

Tender Beginnings

The non-profit organization operating the festival ran out of money in 1948 and 1950 causing the Festival de Cannes to be cancelled those years, but by moving the event from September to May in 1951 the celebration of innovative cinema quickly developed into the gala occasion of the present day.

At this early period the contributing country chose the films to be shown but in 1972, the same year the festival attained charitable status, the board of directors and festival officials assumed the role and began to select films from all around the world.

Promotion

The original idea of promoting the creation of new and innovative film making by giving it a showcase evolved to become the promotion of the film industry in general after the Marche' du Film, the marketplace for international film, was created in 1959 and gave new significance to the festival.

Discovering and promoting new film talent was the goal of Giles Jacobs 'Cinefondation', created in 1998, by giving exposure to the emerging young film makers from everywhere on the planet. To bring every opportunity to these global cinema photographers the 'Residence' and 'Village International' were formed in 2000, opening new venues to encourage the aspiring artists from around the world.

Camera d'Or & More

It has been seventy years since the first 'International Film Festival' was interrupted in 1939 by the advent of war. Over thirty years have passed since the prize for best first film, the Camera d'Or, was first awarded to Robert M. Young for 'Alambrista' and almost ten since the first award to a digitally recorded film went to Lars von Trier for 'Dancer in the Dark'. Change is the element in which the Cannes Film Festival flourishes.

The history of the Festival de Cannes has been one of embracing changes that have allowed it to expand its role in fostering the world of film in all its forms. Promoting new talent, schilling for the industry and showcasing the best that global cinema has to offer in a venue that removes most of the barriers, imposed on film making as on all the arts, by political, religious and economic pressure groups.

Reference:
www.cannesguide.com
www.festival-cannes.com
http://en.wikipedia.org
http://news.bbc.co.uk
www.nicksflickpicks.com