Events
Cannes is a city of contrasts. On one hand, it is an escape—mornings spent under an orange tree, waves gently rolling onto the shore, the Mediterranean light casting a golden hue over villa courtyards. On the other, it is a high-octane hub of global cinema, where the world's biggest players in film gather to strike deals, premiere projects, and soak in the glamour of the red carpet. Experiencing both sides of this makes the time spent at the Cannes Film Festival's Marché du Film in May 2023 both surreal and invigorating.
The French consulate in Canada sent me to find (spy?) emerging and established French talent to include on Canada’s events stage and possibly collaborate with. That then would be the underlying premise to scope out this scene which I had been on the edge of for a couple of years.
A tranquil start
Staying just outside Cannes at La Marjolaine in Juan-les-Pins, I woke each morning to a moment of serenity. The villa, tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, had a gated courtyard that felt like a world unto itself. My mornings began with a simple yet luxurious breakfast: croissant, fresh baguette, yogurt, freshly squeezed orange juice, cheese, jam, and a chocolate pastry—all enjoyed under the shade of an orange tree. Just two blocks away, the beach provided a peaceful retreat where I could stroll along the shore, collect my thoughts, and prepare for the day ahead.
But even in this calm setting, Cannes' undeniable energy was present. The beach wasn’t just a place for reflection; it was also an informal meeting space. I connected with a friend visiting from the Netherlands who works in the digital industry, and other industry professionals were holding discussions right there on the sand. Yachts dotted the horizon, including one my friend pointed out as Leonardo DiCaprio’s. It was a surreal, almost cinematic backdrop to an already dreamlike experience.
A frenzy of opportunity
Stepping into the Marché du Film was a sharp shift from the tranquil mornings at the villa. This was my first time navigating the market, and the sheer volume of events, projects, and people was overwhelming. Meetings happened everywhere—in the Palais des Festivals, in hotel lobbies, in cafés, and even aboard docked yachts. Finding the initial registration was a challenge in the sea of attendees and fans that descended on Cannes, but once inside, the true scale of the event became clear.
The buzz was electric, with countless filmmakers and executives vying for attention. AI was a hot topic and workshops were held to cover magical platforms such as Largo.ai, though I was particularly interested in XR projects, which were notably lacking. The market had a strong emphasis on traditional filmmaking, reinforcing Cannes’ reputation as a bastion of cinematic heritage. Despite the chaos, I was able to meet with members of the Canadian and Dutch delegations, grounding my experience in familiar connections.
The red carpet: a spectacle of glamour
While I wasn’t able to secure a seat to the highly anticipated screening of James Mangold’s Indiana Jones, I still caught glimpses of the red carpet magic. Instead of diving into the frenzy, I positioned myself at the top of the stairs, watching as elegantly dressed attendees in tuxedos and gowns lined up for their moment in the spotlight. It was a carefully orchestrated spectacle—a mix of genuine excitement and expertly crafted illusion.
Beyond the venue, the streets of Cannes were packed. Fans crowded the barriers near the Palais des Festivals, desperate to catch a glimpse of a celebrity, while the rest of us navigated the thick crowds, moving as part of a sea of people. The energy was undeniable. Even as an industry insider, it was impossible not to be swept up in the excitement.
Reflections
Being at Cannes wasn’t just about witnessing the spectacle; it was about being a part of it. Seeing the behind-the-scenes orchestration of one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world reaffirmed a sense of belonging and possibilities. The film market, the red carpet, the late-night parties, the beachside conversations—they all underscored how deeply cinema shapes culture and how exhilarating it is to be immersed in it.
Cannes is more than just a festival. It’s a convergence of dreams, deals, and dazzling moments, wrapped in the sun-drenched atmosphere of the French Riviera. And as I walked along the beach one last time before heading home, I knew I would return—and not just as a visitor.
Author: Bram Timmer — 2023.06.11
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