Cannes is in the south of France and the area was already popular with wealthy tourists.
The Cannes Film Festival has started from May 12 and will continue till May 23. This important ceremony is being organized at the Palace des Festivals in Cannes city of France. South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook is the chairman of the jury this time. This famous event started with the world premiere of Pierre Salva Dory’s romantic comedy film La Venus Electric. Come, let us know why the city of Cannes in France was chosen for the film festival. How did it start?
Many cities in France are beautiful. But Cannes is not just a city. There is a special atmosphere here. It is the sea. it is sunny. It is relaxing. And there are many facilities for international guests. For this reason, Cannes Film Festival has become the most popular film festival in the world.
Why was Cannes chosen?
Cannes is in the south of France. It is part of the French Riviera. This area was already popular among rich tourists. People have been coming here from all over the world. The environment here was favorable for the film festival. There were some simple reasons behind choosing Cannes.
1- Weather and natural beauty
The weather in Cannes is often clear. Especially in spring and early summer. This time was chosen for the film festival. There is less rain. It is not too cold either. The view of the sea shore looks very attractive. Guests get options for sightseeing. Media gets beautiful locations. All this adds to the glow of the festival.
Beauty of Kansas city.
2- Tourist city and already existing facilities
Cannes was already a tourist city. There were good hotels here. There were big halls. There were cafes and restaurants. Thousands of people come to the film festival. Accommodation and transportation facilities are essential. Cannes met this need.
3- Easy access to international guests
Cannes has major cities and transport links. Nice airport is nearby. Railway connections are also good. Even at that time, it was considered relatively easy to transport guests here. This became another major reason for selection.
4- Identity of glamor and riviera
The festival is not just about films. It is also a cultural performance. This includes fashion, photos, interviews, red carpets, and parties. The image of Cannes was already one of luxury and holidays. Therefore the city quickly became associated with the identity of the festival.
Cannes has major cities and transport links.
How did the idea of starting the festival come about?
The idea of Cannes Film Festival did not come suddenly. Behind this were both the politics and culture of that period. Film festivals were also held in Europe in the 1930s. The biggest name was that of Venice Film Festival. But gradually allegations started being made that there is political influence on awards and selection. At that time tension was increasing in Europe. Many countries were using art for propaganda and influence. Many people in France felt that there should be an international film festival that was more independent. This thinking created a demand for a new festival in France. This festival can provide an unbiased platform to cinema from all over the world. And do not act under the pressure of any one authority.
The weather in Cannes is often clear.
When did it start?
The first planning of the festival was made in 1939. Preparations were made to start it the same year. Cannes was chosen as the venue. The guests were invited. Selection of films also started. But then the Second World War started. The event stopped due to war. Therefore, it can be said that the announcement and preparation took place in 1939. But, the regular start could not happen then.
When did the first actual festival take place?
After the war ended, France again put forward this idea. Ultimately, the first true international film festival took place in Cannes in 1946. After the war the world was searching for a new direction. There was a need for cultural interaction. Communication between countries was possible through films. In this environment, the Cannes Festival was born as a hope. This was not just entertainment. This was also the beginning of cultural relations.
There were no less challenges
Everything was not easy in the beginning. Resources were limited after the war. Funds and arrangements had to be raised for the event. Programs were also postponed many times. Sometimes due to financial reasons. Sometimes for organizational reasons. Still, Cannes gradually made its place. Because there was a clear goal behind it. To give a platform to the world’s best films.
Alia Bhatt reached Cannes Film Festival.
How did Cannes create its own identity?
Cannes Festival paid special attention to some things. These are the things that make it different.
- Prestige of Selection: The films selected in Cannes are considered an honour. The selection process here is considered strict. There are many sections in the festival. In some main competitions. In some special performances. This gives space to different types of films.
- Cannes’ highest award: The most famous award of Cannes is the Palme d’Or. This award became the identity of the festival over time. On receiving this honour, the film gets global attention. The careers of directors and artists are also affected.
- Center of Market and Industry: Cannes is not just an awards ceremony. It is also a big meeting place of the film industry. Deals are made here. Distributors are available. There are discussions on new projects. This commercial role also strengthened Cannes.
- Red carpet and power of media: The red carpet of Cannes is world famous. The pictures here are published all over the world. Media presence keeps the festival in the news every year. Cannes made this attraction a part of its branding.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at Cannes Film Festival. (file photo)
What did the city of Kansas get from this?
The city of Kansas benefited economically from the festival. Tourism increased. Hotels, restaurants, taxis, shops got work. The city became a global identity. During the festival days, Cannes turns into a global stage. This also increases the prestige of the city.
In this way, it can be said that Cannes was selected for the film festival in France due to many reasons. The weather was favourable. The city was beautiful. Facilities were available. Access was easy for international guests. And the glitz of the Riviera fit in well with the festival. The initial idea was formed in 1939. But the event stopped due to the World War. The actual first event took place in 1946. After this, Cannes gradually made its place among the most influential film festivals in the world. Even today, whenever the name of Cannes is mentioned, the art of cinema, its prestige and international attraction come to mind together.
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