4 tips for attending the Cannes Film Festival
It’s the most glamorous film festival in the world so follow these tips if you want to be rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous.
1. Book early
Really, really early. The film festival is the biggest event on Cannes’ calendar, so you’ll need to organise flights and accommodation well in advance. Most luxury hotels in the city centre will be booked up with movie stars, so think about alternatives like Airbnb or hotels close to transport in outer suburbs.
2. Find public events
The festival is strictly an industry event, so unless you’re a filmmaker or actor you won’t be able to attend the main screenings. That doesn’t mean you can see some great movies. Cinema de la Plage is a huge outdoor cinema that’s set up on the beach, showing a range of different movies like Cannes classic and films from outside the competition. Buy your tickets, grab a picnic and some wine, and set yourself up in the best seat in the house.
There are also a few hidden theatres that you can track down to catch some of the festival films. There are some free tickets available to the Critics Week and Directors Fortnight screenings, though you will need to line up at the ticket office (near the Miramar Hotel) at least an hour in advance. You can also find free tickets to Cannes Cinephile screenings, held at the Theatre Alexandre III as well as some smaller cinemas around town.
3. Go celeb spotting
For most people, the celebrities who attend the festival are just as important as the films. Join the (huge) crowds around the red carpet for premieres and you should be able to see all the stars attending the film. Get there early to stake out your spot and bring your camera. The celebs will also be out and about in town during the festival, so you may get a better sighting at a popular hotel, restaurant or bar – set yourself up with a drink and wait for them to appear. The InterContinental Carlton, Hotel Martinez and the Hotel Majestic Barriere are popular and very close to the action, so there’s a good chance you’ll catch a glimpse. If you’re staying at one of these hotels, you’ll also have access to their private beaches, which are sure to be full of stars. Just beware of the ever-present paparazzi.
4. Get the souvenir
Even if you don’t get to see a film or take a snap of a star, you can still buy some official merchandise to prove you were there. Tents are set up around the main festival area selling tshirts, mugs, posters and more. They will all be in the official colours of the year and you can’t buy them anywhere else.
Do you think you’d like to go to the Cannes Film Festival?