The Cannes Film Festival will not going to happen in June this year as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The organisers are busy exploring various alternatives to organise the festival later this year.
The organisers also mention that the festival can’t go ahead “in its original form” due to the coronavirus crisis, as media reported.
“Following the French President’s statement, on Monday, April 13th, we acknowledged that the postponement of the 73rd International Cannes Film Festival, initially considered for the end of June to the beginning of July, is no longer an option,” the festival said in a statement, adding: “It is clearly difficult to assume that the Festival de Cannes could be held this year in its original form.”
“Nevertheless, since yesterday evening we have started many discussions with professionals, in France and abroad. They agree that the Festival de Cannes, an essential pillar for the film industry, must explore all contingencies allowing to support the year of Cinema by making Cannes 2020 real, in a way or another,” added the fest.
Since its first edition after World War II in 1946, the Cannes Film Festival has been canceled only once in 1968 during the nationwide student riots.
For the worldwide film community, the cancellation of the fest would have a in-depth impact. Last year’s film market reported a record 12,527 participants.
