Cannes Festival 2016

1 April 2016

Attend a Variety of World-Class Events During 12 Unforgettable Days

Known as Festival de Cannes, Cannes Festival or Cannes Films Festival depending on which side of the water you reside on, this world-famous 12-day event has become one of most glamorous and respected celebrations in the industry. The most famous international names will be parading along red carpeted steps in floor-sweeping gowns and tailored tuxedos to see exclusive screenings of what will undoubtedly become some of the year’s biggest film releases. Crowds will wait with bated breath to find out who’s been awarded the prestigious Palme d’or, while the winding streets of the surrounding Côte d’Azur city will be hosting an array of exciting events open to the public. Read on to find out what awaits at Cannes Festival 2016.

Festival de Cannes 2016

Australian director George Miller will be President of the Jury, leading the way in decision making between what will surely be an incredible selection of In Competition releases to find the next recipient of the Palme d’or. Having gained worldwide recognition for directing the likes of ‘Happy Feet’ and ‘Mad Max’, a more popularist choice may be on the cards. Meanwhile, Japanese director Naomi Kawase will be the President of The Cinéfondation and Short Films Jury. In 1997, Kawese became the youngest winner of the Caméra d’or for her film ‘Suzaku (Moe no Suzaku)’ aged just 27; making her an ideal choice to preside over awarding predominantly young talent.

The opening and all-important award ceremonies will be hosted by French comedian and actor Laurent Lafitte who has featured in films including 2013’s ‘Love Punch’, while Woody Allen’s ‘Café Society’ will open the festival. This Out of Competition title will be breaking records as the third creation by Allen chosen to open Cannes Festival. Starring household names Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart, the story will follow a young man with dreams of working in the film industry, while he falls in love and becomes part of the 1930’s Café Society. With a supporting cast that includes Steve Carell, Parker Posey and Blake Lively, it's set to be one of the year’s most hotly anticipated releases. Further invitation-only events will include cinema masterclasses, exhibitions and ‘Cannes Classics’; a programme dedicated to cinematic history via restored prints and tributes.

Events Open to the Public

Those not in possession of an invitation or press pass can still get involved in the festival via a variety of exciting events. Directors’ Fortnight will offer the public a chance to see a jam-packed programme of both feature and short films as well as documentaries between the 12th-22nd; with tickets available to purchase for both individual screenings or the entire event. With a non-competitive and independent spirit, it’s showcased the first films by the likes of George Lucas, Sofia Coppola, Ken Loach and Spike Lee since its creation in 1968; providing the perfect opportunity to discover the next big name in directing.

Cannes Cinéphiles will also be offering screenings to 4,000 members of the public who have pre-registered. The free entry films will include those in the Official Selection and be screened in venues including Theatre La Licorne, Le Studio 13, The Raimu and Theatre Alexandre III. This event will also have two additional programmes; one specifically targeting 13-15 year olds, while the other, named ‘Cinema des Antipodes’, will aim to raise awareness of Australian and New Zealand culture and films. Meanwhile, a visit to Plage Mace to the west of La Croisette will offer the chance to see classic films in the open-air for free; simply turn-up, find a deck chair and sit back to enjoy a piece of cinematic history.

Whether you’re a red carpet regular or visiting film fan, Cannes Festival will be simply unmissable this May during a stay at Amarante Cannes.