The annual Cannes Film Festival, which was to take place May 12-23, is hosted in the seaside resort town that is about 19 miles from Nice, where a case of the COVID-19 virus was first confirmed in late February. According to a recent article published by Vox, a statement from the organizers suggested several options were under consideration, including a delay until the end of June, or the beginning of July.
“As soon as the development of the French and international health situation will allow us to assess the real possibility, we will make our decision known, in accordance with our ongoing consultation with the French Government and Cannes’ City Hall as well as with the Festival’s Board Members, Film industry professionals and all the partners of the event,” the statement said.
Steps are already being taken for The Cannes Film Market, the Marche du Film, to set up a virtual market that would offer an online platform to screen feature films and more.
“Some or many people will not be able to attend [the regular market] so it is important for them to have the same tools to continue to do business,” said Jérôme Paillard, executive director of the Cannes Market (via The Hollywood Reporter). “The virtual market would offer an online platform for film companies to screen completed features and promo reels and conduct video conferencing meetings, and be open to all regular attendees of the Marche. Those unable to attend the physical market would be given a 50 percent discount for the online-only version.”
According to a recent article by Variety, Paillard stated that “if the festival is canceled, the online market will be able to serve all accredited participants. Accreditation rates for online participants will be about 50% of the regular rate for the physical market.”
