The History of the Cannes Film Festival

The Cannes Film Festival is considered the most prestigious film festival worldwide. Initially conceived in the late 1930s, the festival will be celebrating the best international cinema on its 75th edition in May 2022. Since its inception, the Cannes Film Festival has promoted diverse films that challenged audiences and pushed the boundaries of cinema.

The origins of the Cannes Film Festival extend back to 1939. French diplomat Philippe Erlanger and Ministry of Education Jean Zay organized the inaugural edition, set for September 1939. Unfortunately, it was canceled when the second world war broke. While the Venice Film Festival had run since 1932, it quickly evolved into a vehicle for Nazi propaganda under the fascist influence of Mussolini and Hitler.

The French government revived the Cannes Film Festival to promote an alternative film culture, scheduling its first edition in September 1946. The festival line-up comprised films from over 15 countries, including Roberto Rossellini’s Open City, Billy Wilder’s The Lost Weekend, and David Lean’s Brief Encounter. The festival awarded its Grand Prix prize to nine films that year.

The festival shifted from a September to a May date in 1951 and continues to be held accordingly annually. It wasn’t until 1955 that the festival’s iconic Palme d’Or award was born. Today, the award is regarded as the top honor in cinema worldwide.

The Cannes Film Festival witnessed significant changes during the sixties as it expanded beyond its competition-based aspect. Under the leadership of André Malraux, the festival incorporated the Film Market and the International Critics’ Week section.

Malraux nurtured a more open and rich competition, screening films like Jacques Rivette’s La Religieuse and Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, which kindled an international scandal. Another significant development in the festival’s approach to celebrating film is the introduction of the Directors’ Fortnight in 1969. This section marked a new opportunity for directors from all around the world to showcase their work.

Over the years, the Cannes Film Festival became the optimal platform for diverse, radical films. Cannes witnessed notable cinematic accomplishments that tackled key socio-cultural issues. Films such as Matthieu Kassovitz’s La Haine, Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever, and Wong Kar-Wai’s Happy Together presented radical ideas, giving voice to minorities through a contemporary filmmaking lens.

The history of the Cannes Film Festival is not without its controversies. Critics and audience members have not infrequently walked out of some of the festival premieres. Filmmakers like Lars von Trier and Gaspar Noe are Cannes regulars, yet their films are rarely far from accessible.

Noe, whose films competed at the festival eight times, has established himself as one of the most controversial festival attendees due to his daring use of sex. For instance, his film Irreversible was screened as part of the official competition in 2002. More than 200 people walked out during the screening because of the film’s violent scene, with some audience members fainting and requiring medical assistance.

In addition to promoting world cinema without censorship or constraints, the Cannes Film Festival served as the starting point for a wide range of directors. For example, Guillermo del Toro’s debut feature Cronos had its world premiere at the festival in 1993. Other filmmakers such as Mati Diop, Xavier Dolan, and Lynne Ramsay also launched their careers after premiering their very first films at Cannes.

Landmark achievements in the festival’s history include Jane Campion’s win in 1993. Campion won the Palme d’Or for directing The Piano, becoming the first woman to earn the award. It wouldn’t be until 2021 that the jury awarded another woman filmmaker the Palme d’Or. French filmmaker Julia Ducournau won the prize for her body horror film Titane.