[Here is Kan] The Changed Face of Kan, Strong Winds of Change Again This Year

What Is Similar and Different About the 75th Cannes Film Festival
Audio Confirmation Certificate - Not Necessary
Grand Opening of the Endemic Era

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Cannes (France) = Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Is it impossible for the times to defy the traditional conservatism of Cannes? A strong wind of change is blowing through the Cannes Film Festival. As we move from the hardships of the pandemic toward the endemic phase, Cannes is actively striving to attract audiences.

The 75th Cannes Film Festival opened on the 17th and will be held until the 28th at the Palais des Festivals in the southern French city of Cannes.

Founded in 1946 for the holidays of French aristocrats and held every May in Cannes, the Cannes Film Festival has maintained a conservative fortress despite waves of commercial change. The festival has consistently upheld firm guidelines for film invitations and other aspects. Even at Cannes, however, signs of change are emerging.

No need to spit?

What is different compared to last year? The 74th Cannes Film Festival, held in July 2021 due to the pandemic, operated a separate screening clinic to prevent the spread of COVID-19. A center located five minutes from the Palais des Festivals collected saliva samples once a day to check for infection. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests were also available at this clinic. All of these services were provided free of charge by the Cannes Film Festival. Negative test certificates were issued via mobile devices, and submitting these certificates was required to enter all main centers, including the Lumi?re Theater.

Additionally, mask-wearing was mandatory in all centers. It was impressive to see journalists from around the world wearing masks even in the press center located within the Palais des Festivals. This was a measure in accordance with French health regulations.

This year is different. Entry to each center is possible without the hassle of spitting saliva. Visitors can enter centers without wearing masks. Few people wear masks on the streets either. While mask-wearing is not mandatory in France, it is recommended depending on the individual.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Online Ticketing Established

Ticket booking has also changed. Last year, the system shifted from offline to online, and this year it seems to have been firmly established. The Cannes Film Festival, having seen great success with this change last year, appears to have decided to maintain it this year as well.

Tickets can be booked one day in advance. As tickets sell out immediately upon release due to fierce demand, there is also a busy movement to obtain tickets offline. At the ticketing center located within the Palais des Festivals, crowds gather?those trying to get extra tickets and people unfamiliar with the online system create a bustling scene.

The premiere screening of "Hunt," the directorial debut of Lee Jung-jae, the star of "Squid Game," on the 19th sold out early, and the press screening is also quickly being booked. "Broker" is also generating intense excitement. Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda and starring Song Kang-ho, it was invited to the competition section and is considered a strong contender for awards. Including premieres and press screenings, the number of showings exceeds seven.

Cannes is regaining its usual enthusiasm. The festival opened energetically with the ambitious blockbuster star Tom Cruise, and the festival responded with a grand fireworks display and air show.

On the 18th, people who could not get tickets for the "Top Gun: Maverick" premiere screening online gathered in front of the theater dressed in formal attire. The long line surrounding the theater was a familiar sight once again. People also flocked from afar hoping to catch a glimpse of Tom Cruise, causing traffic near Cannes to come to a standstill. There was even an incident where frustrated people, blocking the road, negotiated with police and moved between cars on foot.

The Cannes Film Festival is looking toward the endemic phase. It seems to be actively reaching out, rekindling the love for cinema that was momentarily forgotten, as if it never truly forgot film. The grandly held Cannes Film Festival this year is expected to become a benchmark for film festivals worldwide in the future.

Cannes (France) = Reporter Lee Isul