For the 2020 edition, the organizers of the prestigious festival are thinking about new "forms" of organization.
In response to Emmanuel Macron 's speech that took place on Monday, April 13, a press release from the Cannes Film Festival was published. Indeed, due to the ban on large gatherings until mid-July, the postponement of the Festival between the end of June and the beginning of July will not take place.
"Following the statement of the President of the Republic on Monday, April 13, we have taken note that the postponement envisaged to the end of June and beginning of July for the 73rd edition of the Cannes International Film Festival is no longer possible on that date."
It now seems difficult to think that the Cannes Film Festival can be organized this year in its initial form. However, other options for organization are beginning to be considered, including via a virtual version.
"Last night we started many consultations in the professional environment in France and abroad. They agree that the Cannes Film Festival is an essential instrument of support for the film industry. We must continue to study all the eventualities to accompany the cinema year. We have to make the films of Cannes 2020 exist in one way or another."
We will certainly have an answer in the coming days. We will have to wait another 1 month or so. The French have been confined to their homes since March 17 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Emmanuel Macron announced yesterday that the lockdown would be extended until May 11. However, movie theatres as well as museums, bars, restaurants and other gathering places will have to wait a while longer before reopening. Security issue, of course.
When will cinemas reopen?
During his speech, the President of the Republic did not give a precise date for the reopening of cinemas. However, he said that large-scale cultural events (such as festivals) will be banned until mid-July:
"Large festivals and events with large audiences will not be able to be held at least until mid-July."
Finally shifted between the end of June and the beginning of July, the 2020 edition of the Cannes Film Festival seems once again in the most complete fog. Will the global event be postponed or even cancelled? Currently, Thierry Frémaux, general delegate of the famous Cannes Film Festival, has not yet expressed himself on the issue. We can therefore only resolve to wait for a press release that should arrive normally in the coming days. So be patient!
