The 70th Edition of the Cannes Film Festival

24 March 2017

See the Year’s Cinematic Triumphs & Rub Shoulders with the Stars 

Undoubtedly the highlight in the European film calendar, the Cannes Film Festival returns in May for its 70th edition, as the biggest names in show business prepare to gild the red-carpet of the famous Palais des Festivals. The 12-day event is the epitome of luxury in the French Riviera… and though the Festival de Cannes is a highly exclusive affair with tickets only available to those in the industry, a range of glamour awaits as you at Amarante Cannes. Located just 10 minutes away from the heart of the (lights, camera)… action, this luxury four-star hotel is the perfect place for a star-studded stay.

A Brief Introduction to the Cannes Film Festival

Since its creation in 1946, the Festival de Cannes has been the largest international showcasing of cinematic art in the world, and unlike other awards bodies (such as the Oscars) anyone is entitled to submit a film. The result is a melting pot of creativity – uninfluenced by the spending power of Hollywood – which ultimately makes for a true celebration of world cinema.

The festival is divided into a number of sub-categories; recognising achievements for the Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actress, Best Actor, the Jury Prize, Grand-Prix (Runner-Up) and the prestigious Palme d’Or. Famous past winners of the Palme d’Or have included: Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Volker Schlöndorff, Quentin Tarantino, Roman Polanski, Jacques Audiard and last year’s victor Ken Loach; who triumphed with his I, Daniel Blake.

Full details for this year’s festival can be found here, as and when they become available… whilst leading the proceedings as President of the Jury is flamboyant icon of Spanish cinema; Pedro Almodóvar.

The celebrated director and screenwriter is no stranger to Cannes, with five of his films previously featuring at the festival; including All About My Mother (1999) for which he won Best Director… and Bad Education which had the esteemed honour of opening the festival in 2004. The diverse subject-matter tackled throughout Almodóvar’s 35 year filmography has led to his recognition as one of the most revered moviemakers in the world; with Cannes director Thierry Frémaux stating how “his works have already carved out an eternal niche in the history of film.”

Joining Almodóvar for the 70th edition of the festival are 2007 Palme d’Or winner, Cristian Mungiu, who will preside the Short Film Jury and Italian actress Monica Bellucci, who will host the event.

Your Cannes Film Festival Experience

While the Festival de Cannes is an invitation-only event; there is a world of film-related glamour taking place outside of the Palais des Festivals that can be enjoyed by all. The Directors’ Fortnight is one such event; where members of the public are invited to see a selection of short films, feature films and documentaries. This section of the Cannes Film Festival showcases movies from the industries rising stars; so you may witness the next Sofia Coppola, Spike Lee, George Lucas or Ken Loach – who have all had feature films shown during the Directors’ Fortnight. Tickets are also available on an individual screening or entire event basis; so you can devote as much time as you please to this unveiling of up-and-coming talent.

Another way to immerse yourself in the action is to head to Mace Plage; where every evening from 9pm you will have the opportunity to enjoy a ‘Cannes Classic’ from the comfort of the beach, situated next to the Palais des Festivals. This event is completely free, with cosy chairs and blankets provided; and you are permitted to bring your own wine (or champagne if you’re feeling glamorous) but queueing up early is advised if you want to get a good spot.

Additionally, film fanatics can pre-register with the Cannes Cinéphiles; who in turn will provide exclusive screenings for the first 4,000 people to sign-up. Organised in collaboration with the Cannes Cinéma Association, the movies shown will include those from the Official Selection and all of the spin-off events; which will be played in the La Licorne, Le Studio 13 and Le Raimu theatres.

While movies are the main agenda of Cannes during the festival; a trip to the Cote d’Azur resort during the event reveals a world of luxury. It is not uncommon for patrons of Festival de Cannes to frequent the local vicinities, so there is a high possibility that a trip to the numbering bars and restaurants of Cannes will acquaint you with an A-Lister or two.

Be prepared to don your finest attire for evenings of glitz, glamour and cinematic-heaven; as you step into the world of the Hollywood elite during your stay at Amarante Cannes.