Drawing from my journey and experiences in editing films on social media, I made a significant leap forward this year. After long being a voice from the periphery, I decided to step directly into the heart of cinematic discourse
Cannes represents a different caliber of festival experience. It’s not merely the films, but the exclusivity and the atmosphere that sets it apart — a convergence of film aficionados along the French Riviera, all there by invitation. To be part of Cannes’ “Official Competition” is a matter of industry prestige, accessible to a select few: professionals, the press, and those recognized as “cinephiles,” often with credentials like film school attendance or film club membership.
My aspirations to join Cannes were lofty, considering its stringent entry criteria. But through my passion for film, my film page and connections with fellow pages. I saw a path to an accreditation. It was a distant goal, requiring patience and effort, yet not out of reach.
In 2023, that patience bore fruit. I attended Cannes, a festival that does not sell its way in but invites those who shape and narrate the world of film. The films in competition, the grandeur of the opening and closing features, and the star-studded jury — it was a tableau of cinematic grandeur I had long yearned to be part of
My First experience
Day 0
Day 0 of my Cannes journey was a quiet prelude, marked not by the glitz of opening night, but by the gentle ebb and flow of the Riviera. My accreditation didn’t grant me access to the much-anticipated premiere of “Jeanne du Barry,” which was alright, considering the complex conversations surrounding Johnny Depp’s involvement. It gave me an unplanned but welcome opportunity to immerse myself in the splendor of Cannes beyond the silver screen.
So, rather than jostling for a seat in the Grand Théâtre Lumière, I meandered through the cobbled streets, the Mediterranean breeze a soothing companion. The town was abuzz with festival fervor, yet I found solace in the quaint corners of the city, the overlooked nooks that hold stories untold by cinema.
I soaked in the sights, from the old port’s yachts, bobbing like notes in a serene symphony, to the vibrant markets spilling with local produce and treasures. I watched as the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky a canvas of oranges and pinks, a live masterpiece no film could replicate.
This quiet day of exploration was a gentle preface to the coming days of cinematic indulgence. It was a reminder that sometimes the most memorable scenes are those we stumble upon, unplanned and unscripted, in the grand narrative of life.
Day 1
Day 1 at Cannes brought with it the riveting “Jeanne du Barry” by Maïwenn, an early morning screening that offered not just a cinematic experience but also the esteemed passage across the legendary red carpet. The film itself was an evocative journey through history, a blend of grandeur and intimacy masterfully captured by Maïwenn’s unique vision.
Maïwenn, known for her keen eye for emotional depth, did not disappoint, delivering a narrative rich in both splendor and human complexity. Her portrayal of the titular character was nuanced and compelling, pulling the viewer into the opulence and underbelly of the court life with equal measure. The film’s cinematography was lush, each frame meticulously crafted to reflect the era’s artistry and excess.
Following the immersion into the past, the present offered its own allure — the anticipation of Johnny Depp’s presence at the press conference. As the crowd gathered, the atmosphere buzzed with the excitement and speculation that only a figure of Depp’s caliber could command. Standing outside the press room, the air was thick with the weight of cinematic history and the immediacy of celebrity. Unfortunately due to the big crowd and arriving later because of the screening I was unable to see Johnny Depp.
The aura of Cannes took a stirring turn as I moved from the historical enchantment of “Jeanne du Barry” to the contemporary allure of Pedro Almodóvar’s “Extraña Forma de Vida”. This short film, featuring Pedro Pascal, is a testament to Almodóvar’s ability to weave complex narratives within a constrained format. The film presented a rich tapestry of themes encapsulated in a brief runtime, showcasing Almodóvar’s signature style of vibrant colors and deep emotional undercurrents.
Following the screening, the stage was graced by the presence of Almodóvar himself, along with Ethan Hawke. Their dialogue was a deep dive into the creative process, offering insights into the making of the film and their artistic philosophies. Hearing Almodóvar speak is always a profound experience; his passion for cinema is palpable, making it clear why his works resonate so profoundly with audiences.
Day 2
Day 2 of the Cannes Film Festival was a cinematic feast at the Cineum Imax, where I had the pleasure of watching “Le Règne Animal” and “Monster” by Kore-eda Hirokazu.
“Le Règne Animal” gripped me from the start. Directed by Thomas Cailley, whose debut feature I still recall fondly, this film unfurled an unorthodox narrative blending the fantastical with a stark modern reality. In a world where people morph into animals due to a mysterious disease, the story followed François and his son, Emile, grappling with the matriarch’s transformation. This movie struck a chord with its surreal undertones laced with dark humor. The performances by Romain Duris and Paul Kircher were poignant, articulating the complexities of a family in the throes of extraordinary change. It was the visuals, however, that truly captivated me — the hybrids were realized with such brutal corporeality and impressive effects that they left a lasting impression, a testament to the film’s adventurous spirit.
Then came “Monster,” a film that stood out with its contemplative storytelling. Kore-eda’s filmography has always resonated with me, and “Monster” was no exception. His profound exploration of human connections and societal expectations was articulated through a narrative that felt both intimate and universal. Unfortunately, I could not find specific reviews from the sources provided, but my personal experience with Kore-eda’s films suggests that “Monster” likely continued his tradition of nuanced, emotional storytelling that challenges and comforts in equal measure.
Both films, in their own ways, were highlights of my Cannes experience, showcasing the festival’s range from bold experimentation to the reflective depth of human experiences. These viewings weren’t just screenings; they were more like journeys into the hearts and minds of their characters, leaving me with much to ponder about the intricate tapestries of life and art.
Day 3
Day 3 at Cannes was a thrilling blend of star-spotting and cinematic indulgence, a fitting finale to my time at the festival. I decided to forego the early screenings, a gamble that paid off spectacularly. Stationed outside the press room, anticipation hung heavy in the air, a palpable excitement among those waiting. The reward? A glimpse of Mads Mikkelsen and Harrison Ford before the press conference for the latest “Indiana Jones
It seems like my third day at Cannes was as eventful and memorable as one could wish for. Skipping the early screenings to catch a glimpse of the stars felt like a risky move, but it paid off when I managed to see Mads Mikkelsen and Harrison Ford. There’s something surreal about being in the presence of such iconic figures, especially when they’re part of a franchise as legendary as “Indiana Jones.”
Post my star-studded morning, I returned to my Airbnb to slip into a black tie for the last minute queue for “The Zone of Interest.” The atmosphere was charged with the classic Cannes blend of anticipation and glamour. As fate would have it, while waiting, I chanced upon a ticket for the second red carpet screening of “Les Filles d’Olfa.” I still can’t quite believe my luck in snagging that ticket; it was as if the stars had aligned.
Watching “The Zone of Interest,” I must admit, I struggled to grasp its full depth. It’s a film I’ll need to revisit to fully appreciate its layers and intricacies. However, “Les Filles d’Olfa” resonated with me on a deeply emotional level. It was a poignant narrative that moved me, a beautiful and heartrending exploration that was the perfect note to end my Cannes experience on.
Day 4
Day 4 at Cannes turned out to be an unexpected gift, a bonus round of sorts in my cinematic adventure. With my flight scheduled to depart late into the Mediterranean night, I seized the opportunity to join the eager crowd queuing for the “Killers of the Flower Moon” premiere. The allure of seeing Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, and Leonardo DiCaprio in person was irresistible — after all, they’re not just film celebrities, they’re bona fide legends who’ve crafted the landscape of modern cinema.
True to the inclusive spirit of Cannes, the queue was open to all, accreditation or not, which meant the line was as long as the credits in a Scorsese epic. Stationed there, the hours began to meld into one another, with anticipation growing every minute. The waiting, which stretched into an almost 7-8 hour marathon, was a testament to the dedication of film enthusiasts like myself.
But the wait was a small price to pay. As the red carpet unfurled and my idols appeared, the day’s weariness evaporated into the evening air. There they were, the titans of film, mere steps away. It’s moments like these — the ones filled with admiration and awe — that make every second of anticipation worthwhile. It was the perfect climax to an already unforgettable trip, a personal finale better than any film could script.
Conclusion
Is a three-day stint at Cannes worth it? Unequivocally, yes. In those 72 hours, I immersed myself in a whirlwind of cinematic splendor, taking in a total of 10 films that included some of the festival’s most acclaimed offerings. Had I not been set to depart on an early flight, my film tally could have easily increased to 11 or 12.
But the true essence of my Cannes experience transcends the number of screenings attended. It’s about being a part of something larger than life—the festival itself. Navigating the nuances of Cannes, with its labyrinthine logistics, might seem daunting at first glance, but it all clicks into place once you’re on the ground, experiencing it firsthand. Three days at Cannes offers a comprehensive snapshot, a distilled essence of the festival’s grandeur and quirks, allowing you to navigate future festivals with seasoned insight.
Beyond the films and the frenzy, it’s the indelible memories that you carry home—a sunset on the French Riviera, the spontaneous conversations with fellow cineastes, the triumphant moment when you finally snag that coveted ticket after hours in line. These experiences illuminate why Cannes is an emblematic cultural pilgrimage for anyone passionate about film.
And when all is said and done, aside from the enriched perspective and the cinematic conversations that will linger for years, you’ll also depart with a profile picture that’s the envy of film buffs everywhere. It’s not just a festival; it’s Cannes, and even a brief sojourn is a profound foray into the heart of cinematic lore.