France’s biggest 7th art event kicks off on May 14 at the Palais des Festivals. Discover three of the films selected.
The Cannes Film Festival is famous for its official competition, where filmmakers from all over the world compete to win the Palme d’Or, the festival’s top award. In addition to the official competition, there are other sections such as Un Certain Regard, which showcases more original or innovative films, as well as special screenings and open-air screenings.
In addition to its artistic importance, the Cannes Film Festival is also a major media event, attracting celebrities from all over the world to its red carpet and generating international media coverage. It’s a must-attend event for the film industry, where films are bought and sold, and many business deals are struck.
For this 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, the president of the jury will be director, screenwriter and producer Greta Gerwig, known for her commitment to gender equality in the film industry. Her film Barbie made her the first female director to direct a film that grossed over a billion dollars.
As mistress of ceremonies, actress Camille Cottin is appreciated for her ability to embody a variety of characters and her undeniable comedic talent. Today, she is one of the leading French actresses of her generation.
Her work in international projects, combined with her popularity in France, has enabled her to become an emerging figure on the global film scene. Her versatility, charisma and acting talent have been hailed by critics and audiences alike, establishing her as one of the most promising and high-profile French actresses on the international scene.
In the wake of the me too and female gaze movements, women are in the spotlight. Here’s our selection of films we recommend before the long-awaited start of the festivities:
The Women in the Balcony: a tribute to women’s resilience and complicity, brought to life by Noémie Merlant’s sensitive direction.
The story begins with Anna, a young woman who has recently moved into the building. Shy and introverted, Anna observes her neighbors from her balcony. She soon notices that the balconies serve as a meeting and sharing place for the women in the building. Each of them has a unique story and challenges to overcome: Claire, a single mother, struggles to balance work and family life; Sophie, an older woman, faces loneliness after the loss of her husband; and Léa, a teenager, seeks to understand her place in the world.
This film is presented in the out-of-competition category at the Cannes Film Festival 2024, highlights how these everyday interactions, though seemingly banal, have a profound impact on each person’s life.
The Story of Souleymane: director Boris Lojkine takes a look at the daily lives of bicycle delivery drivers.
In the streets of Paris, we meet Souleymane, a Guinean bicycle delivery man who prepares for his asylum interview by telling the story of another.
The film will be presented in the Un certain regard category at the Cannes Film Festival 2024.
Through his journey, the film explores the challenges faced by many African migrants who undertake the perilous journey to reach Europe in the hope of a better life.
All We Imagine as Light by Payal Kapadia takes viewers on a poetic, introspective exploration of the themes of isolation, memory and hope.
The film follows two women, Fatima and Chaya, living in a small coastal town in India. Fatima, a recently married young woman, struggles against the restrictions imposed by her family and society. Chaya, an elderly widow, struggles to preserve the memories of her late husband and her own identity in the face of growing loneliness.
The two women, though seemingly different, share a deep connection. Their paths cross when they discover forgotten correspondence, revealing fragments of life and emotions that resonate with their own experiences. This discovery becomes the catalyst for an unlikely friendship.
Through flashbacks and dreamlike sequences, the film reveals each woman’s past, revealing moments of happiness, pain and dreams. Beautifully shot coastal landscapes provide the backdrop for this intimate exploration, reflecting the tumultuous emotions of the protagonists.
This feature-length film is a meditative work that uses non-linear storytelling and lyrical visuals to capture the subtleties of its characters’ inner lives. The film tackles universal themes of freedom, memory and resilience, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences and hopes.
Thanks to Payal Kapadia’s delicate direction, the film transcends cultural and temporal boundaries, offering a deeply emotional and visually mesmerizing cinematic experience.
Numerous other sections showcase films, including Un Certain Regard, Semaine de la Critique and Directors’ Fortnight. A varied program in keeping with the Palme d’Or de la Croisette.
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