April - May 2016 World Festival: France

The Cannes Film Festival

Where: Cannes, France

When: May 11 – May 22, 2016

What is the mission of the Festival de Cannes?

Ever since its creation, the Festival de Cannes has remained faithful to its founding purpose: to draw attention to and raise the profile of films with the aim of contributing towards the 

development of cinema, boosting the film industry worldwide and celebrating cinema at an international level.

What initiatives has the festival set up to encourage film production?

The Festival is very keen to discover new talent and act as a springboard for creation. The development of “Cannes Short Film” is just one example of this. A number of initiatives 

aimed at supporting the talent of the future have already been introduced: the Caméra d’or is awarded to the best film presented either in the Official Selection, during Directors´ 

Fortnight or during Semaine de la Critique. The Cinéfondation, which serves to showcase new trends in the film industry, screens films from film schools as part of the Official Selection, as well as organising the Résidence and the Atelier.

What does the festival do for the general public?

A film’s success and its director’s reputation depend above all on how it is received in cinemas. Despite being an event for film professionals only, the Festival is mindful of this reality 

and is taking steps to improve the way it reaches film enthusiasts. Since 2011, the opening film has been released in French cinemas on the same day as its screening at Cannes and 

the opening ceremony has been broadcast in cinemas enabling audiences to experience the Festival launch night live.

At Cannes, the Cinéma de la Plage, an outdoor cinema, screens a different film each night - and, since 2010, even the occasional world première – as part of its theme-based 

programme. These open-air screenings are open to everyone and represent a strong link with the general public.

The festival has just turned 65, what is the secret to its lasting success?

While maintaining a solid connection with its past, the Festival is very ready to take on board new and original concepts. Over the years, it has evolved, all the while seeking to 

preserve its core values: a passion for cinema, the discovery of new talent, and the bringing together of professionals and journalists from around the world with the aim of 

contributing to the creation and distribution of films. During every new edition, projects are conceived, experiences are shared and different cultures are discovered: it is this dynamism that makes the Festival de Cannes a true reflection of its time.

Source: http://www.festival-cannes.fr/en/about/whoWeAre.html