Officially launched in 1946, this event has over the years grown into much more than a film festival.
Festival international du film – Cannes 1er-20 septembre 1939 announced proudly the freshly-printed posters all ready to be put up. But history had other ideas and it wasn't until 1946 that the curtain went up on the first edition of the festival instigated by Philippe Erlanger and Jean Zay. Cannes was chosen because it embodied la dolce vita – don't forget the Festival was created to challenge the Venice Mostra – and additionally possessed the infrastructure needed to accommodate festival-goers: its luxury hotels – Carlton, Majestic, Martinez – were already the stuff of dreams and the town council agreed to build a venue to house the event. Over the years the Festival grew into a must-go rendezvous for film fans and stars alike. Although some get invited by mistake – don't they, Mr Douglas? In 1980 a slip of the pen by a careless assistant, writing a K instead of an S, meant the American actor Kirk Douglas was named to head the jury when it should have been the Danish director Sirk Douglas!
Stories galore
The Festival legend is built too on over-the-top anecdotes! French starlet Simone Silva scandalised people in 1954 by posing topless on the beach for a photo session with Robert Mitchum. In 1963 a cheetah could be seen padding along the Croisette beaches to promote Visconti's film The Leopard and Alfred Hitchcock released a flock of birds in honour of his famous avian film. In 1986 irreverent French comedian Coluche cross-dressed in dainty shoes and fishnet tights with a bow in his hair. Then there's the stars' ceremonial walk up the red carpet laid on the entrance steps, a ritual now an integral part of this great cinema gathering, renowned worldwide for its parade of mega-couture outfits – remember Madonna in high-waisted knickers and conical bra by Jean Paul Gaultier. Many a moment that the photographers immortalise with delight – or not, as when they lowered their cameras and refused to photograph Isabelle Adjani in 1983. But they didn't miss Sophie Marceau's wardrobe malfunction in 2005 or Quentin Tarantino's wild dance with Mélanie Laurent in 2009! Let's hope this 70th Festival also brings us some cult scenes to remember.
By Alexandre Benoist et Marie Thouvenel
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