Riviera biz women

Captivating Cannes Film Festival 2023: Celebrating the Magic of Cinema with Ruben Östlund and Honoring Catherine Deneuve’s Eternal Beauty

Hear this article
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Cannes Film Festival and Marché du Film Set to Dazzle Under the Guidance of Visionary Jury President, Ruben Östlund

This month, all eyes are on Cannes as cinephiles and industry insiders gather to celebrate the beauty of cinema.

The festival takes place in the gorgeous city of Cannes, France, enchanting hearts and minds with its star-studded events and fascinating films. This year is no different, with famed Swedish filmmaker Ruben Stlund serving as jury president. We can expect a variety of films that will push boundaries and have a lasting influence from his visionary standpoint.

Cannes film festival
Official poster - 76th edition © Photo by Jack Garofalo/Paris Match/Scoop – Graphic design © Hartland Villa

The official poster which is a magnificent ode to Catherine Deneuve’s eternal beauty, adds to the festival’s allure. The poster was created by Lionel Avignon and Stefan de Vivies and it pays tribute to Deneuve’s extraordinary contributions to the world of film, reminding us of the permanent impact she has left on the silver screen.

Honorary Palme d’Or awards

But hold onto your seats because the surprises don’t end there! The Cannes Film Festival is proud to present two Honorary Palme d’Or awards. The first went to the legendary Michael Douglas during the glamorous opening ceremony, honouring his outstanding career and unforgettable performances. And just before the world premiere of “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” the iconic Harrison Ford received a delightful surprise, adding to the festival’s excitement and highlighting his enduring charm.

And, as the festival winds down, prepare to be enchanted by the charming Pixar feature film “Elemental,” directed by genius Peter Sohn. 

Marché du Film

But this festival is more than just a spectacle of glamour as it’s also a platform where industry professionals come together to connect and thrive. At the Marché du Film, the largest annual gathering of film industry professionals, over 12,500 participants from around the world converge to network, exchange ideas, and ignite their business ventures.

Producers, distributors, sales agents, festival representatives, and investors—all join together under one roof, forging agreements and determining the future of cinema. The Marché du Film, located in the heart of the Cannes Film Festival, is a tribute to its importance, proudly holding the title of the world’s leading film market.

plage des palmes credit will stewart
@will stewart

Cinema takes centre stage throughout the festival, delivering a treasure trove of new concepts through pitching sessions and special screenings from the Official Selection and parallel sections. It’s the ideal time to meet industry professionals at vibrant networking events, where valuable relationships are formed. Participate in inspiring workshops, fast meetings, and bask in the luxurious ambiance of cocktail parties and happy hours.

marche du film spain country of honour 2023
Marché du film

The Cannes Film Festival honours art, talent, and the enthralling power of storytelling. It’s a journey that transcends borders, where filmmakers and enthusiasts from over 80 countries come together to share their passion and discover new possibilities. Uncover hidden filming locations, explore diverse tax rebates, and connect with national film institutions at the International Village, where the world converges in a vibrant tapestry of cultures.

10 Fun Facts Celebrating Women's Impact at the Cannes Film Festival

1. The Cannes Film Festival made history in 1939 by featuring the first woman ever on its jury, French actress and singer, Simone Simon.

2. The festival introduced the “Caméra d’Or” award in 1978, which recognizes the best debut feature film. The inaugural winner was German director Márta Mészáros for her film “Adoption,” making her the first woman to win an award at Cannes.

3. Jane Campion and Julia Ducournau are the only female filmmakers who have won the Palme d’Or (for The Piano and Titane, respectively) as of 2022.

4. Women have been making their mark as jury members at Cannes. In 2018, the festival set a record by having a majority female jury, with five women and four men, including actress Cate Blanchett as the president.

5. Cannes is not only a platform for established filmmakers but also for emerging talents. The festival launched the “Women in Motion” program in 2015, dedicated to highlighting the contributions of women in cinema and supporting gender equality in the film industry.

6. The festival hosts the annual “Women in Motion” Talks, where influential women from the film industry share their insights and experiences. Past speakers have included actresses Isabelle Huppert and Salma Hayek, and director Agnès Varda.

7. Cannes has witnessed powerful demonstrations advocating for gender equality in the film industry. In 2018, a group of 82 women, including Cate Blanchett, Ava DuVernay, and Kristen Stewart, marched up the red carpet to protest the lack of female representation in the festival’s history.

8. Many female filmmakers have premiered their groundbreaking films at Cannes, challenging societal norms and exploring diverse perspectives. Directors like Agnès Varda, Sofia Coppola, and Claire Denis have presented their thought-provoking works, contributing to the festival’s legacy.

9. The festival provides a platform for discussions on important issues concerning women in the film industry. Panels and events like “Women in Motion: What’s Next?” focus on promoting dialogue and identifying solutions to improve gender equality in filmmaking.

10. The Cannes Film Festival continues to strive for greater gender representation and inclusivity. Efforts to increase the number of female-directed films in competition and on the festival program aim to create a more diverse and balanced cinematic landscape.

Share this page with others:

Coursera Plus Save with Coursera Plus 800x800 1
affiliate partner
Scroll to Top
Skip to content