Cannes Film Festival Avoids Gaza War Mentions, Prioritizing Entertainment Over Addressing Global Tragedies, Citing Limited Impact
The film industry is feeling the tension as the Gaza conflict looms over the glitz of the red carpet
The 76th Cannes Film Festival has officially begun, with a star-studded lineup of directors, actors, and writers set to grace the revered Promenade de la Croisette. And it appears Cannes Film Festival president Iris Knobloch has no intentions of addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza during the event.
Knobloch said she aims to organize an edition that people will remember for its selection rather than its controversies.
In an interview, she stated, “I think it’s important to remember that the festival’s mission is to defend a single cause: the festival itself. And of course, we deplore the tragedies that happen all over the world. And unfortunately, there are so many tragedies that it’s hard to do much about them. And for me, that doesn’t mean that there won’t be a place for debate on the subject, but the festival itself remains and must focus on what it’s about, which is cinema.”
At a pre-festival press conference, Cannes festival delegate Thierry Fremaux emphasized the desire to steer clear of "polemics."
The world's premier film festival kicked off with the French comedy "The Second Act," directed by the prolific filmmaker and musician Quentin Dupieux. This film is one of 58 selected for the official lineup over the next 12 days, expected to shape the direction of the global cinema industry in the year ahead.
Francis Ford Coppola’s $120 million epic, “Megalopolis,” featuring Adam Driver and Aubrey Plaza, premiered on May 16. The festival is also showcasing the premiere of the "Mad Max" prequel, “Furiosa,” with Anya Taylor-Joy, and the latest Yorgos Lanthimos-Emma Stone collaboration, “Kinds of Kindness,” which stars Hunter Schafer, Joe Alwyn, and Margaret Qualley.
Alongside actors from selected films such as Yorgos Lanthimos' "Kinds of Kindness" and Selena Gomez's "Emilia Pérez," this year's festival features a distinguished jury and an honorary Palme d'Or awardee.
Jury members include ‘Barbie’ director Greta Gerwig, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ star Lily Gladstone, and James Bond actor Eva Green. They are joined by Spanish filmmaker Juan Antonio Bayona and Turkish writer Ebru Ceylan.
The festival has a well-documented history of standout sartorial moments, and it’s clear this year will be no exception. Knobloch said the presence of Gerwig, Streep and “Call My Agent!” star Camille Cottin (who emceed the ceremony) reflected her desire to see greater representation of women from different disciplines at the festival.
Female directors are noticeably underrepresented, with only four films helmed by women in the main selection: "Bird" by British filmmaker Andrea Arnold, "The Substance" by Coralie Fargeat, "All We Imagine as Light" by Payal Kapadia, marking India's return to the Cannes competition, and Agathe Redinger's debut film, "Wild Diamond."
The south of France is brimming with the film industry's fashion elites, with many already making a striking impression.
In a celebration synonymous with high fashion and flair, attendees have been showcasing impeccable style. Gerwig turned heads in a freshly debuted Maison Margiela Spring-Summer 2024 sundress, while Taylor-Joy mesmerized in exquisite Dior haute couture.
This year's roster comprises the familiar mix of seasoned festival participants, newcomers offering fresh interpretations of arthouse cinema, and innovative talents redefining the conventions of genre filmmaking.
Israel's ongoing conflict in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 35,000 Palestinians, has cast a shadow over numerous recent European entertainment and cultural gatherings. Protesters are actively advocating for a ceasefire, seeking to draw attention to their cause.
The current Israeli military campaign in Gaza, claiming the lives of over 35,000 Palestinians, has loomed over various recent European cultural and entertainment happenings. Demonstrators are fervently urging for a halt to the violence, aiming to spotlight their plea for peace.
When asked about how the film industry can bolster Palestinian cinema, Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, head of the Doha Film Institute (DFI), emphasized the importance of giving voice to Palestinian narratives.
Alremaihi stated, "Amplifying Palestinian stories is essential to our cultural mandate and our commitment to authentically depicting their experiences and humanity."
DFI will feature five films in Cannes' auxiliary competitions, including "To a Land Unknown" directed by Palestinian filmmaker Mahdi Fleifel.
