Catching up on Cannes

It’s hard to believe that The Grand Goes to Cannes tris has come and gone!! I’ve been back home since late Sunday night (after a nightmarish 26 hour travel “day” that consisted of 3 flights, 2 2+ hour layovers, and only about 45 minutes of sleep), and am only now feeling back to normal. The trip was the definition of whirlwind, and I still have to remind myself that I actually went! It was like a dream every day I was there, and I feel so lucky to have gone.

During the last two days of the trip, I was unable to access the internet – most of the Palais festival area was becoming more and more empty, and most people took off prior to the festival’s last weekend. Let me recap my last couple days in Cannes:

I finally saw a film that I genuinely enjoyed – “Life, Above All” – from South Africa, and tells the story of a young girl whose baby sister has just passed away, and is now dealing with surfacing rumors about her mother’s supposed battle with AIDS. It was told so beautifully, and with such impressive subtletly, that it stayed on my mind long after I left the theater. After being in the 1,200 seat theater (!!) for a sunny afternoon, I was ready to hit some of the shops, and explore the winding streets of Cannes a bit more. After some great finds at a couple boutiques, and a very necessary purchase at the local chocolatier, I settled at a small cafe for dinner with my new friend, Jo. It was amazing to me how busy the streets were so late at night. Those Cannes locals sure do know how to have fun!

The last full day turned out to be quite memorable — between the delicious Haagen Dazs ice cream, dinner with Jo and her friends at BBC Films – one of the best meals of my life, and witnessing a wardrobe malfunction on the red carpet – I have yet to figure out who she was, but this young actress can now put one of the most embarrassing moments of her life behind her. 

Sunday morning, I caught the shuttle to the Nice airport and sadly sad goodbye to Cannes and my first experience with the film business’ largest stage. I can honestly say it was an incredibly valuable experience in so many ways, and I can’t wait to go back.

Celebration of Cinema

I write from a much less-crowded Palais this afternoon. It seems that many people have left the festival all-together, and many of the production/film/promotions booths have packed up and shipped out. This makes for a little less exciting atmostphere, but allows for a greater chance to see films. I just came out of a screening of “Fair Game” which stars Naomi Watts and Sean Penn. It was well done, kept me interested, and it was nice to see a film that was in English! I plan to see another film later this afternoon (after a lunch and perhaps another espresso) called “Life, Above All”.

 

The mood here is a bit different today, also due to a controvery surrounding a film entitled “Hors la Loi (Outside of the Law)” about the Algerian uprising. Security is much tighter, and the festival staff are apparently on “Red” alert. It was a big change from the relaxed mood that I’ve encountered until now. It just shows the power of film, and its ability to generate emotions and tensions among its viewers.

 

Yesterday was my escape from Cannes, as I enjoyed an afternoon in Grasse. The bus ride took one hour, and I had to guess where to get off once we arrived in the small city. Luckily I found the Perfumerie Museum quite easily, paid the meager 3 euros to enter, and perused the unusual antiques and stories about the history of perfume. It didn’t take long to get through it, so I walked around a bit before catching the bus back to Cannes. After strolling along the port, in awe of the extravagant yachts, and checking out the American Pavilion (which is right on the beach), I grabbed a quick bite and read my book in the sun (it is SO sunny and wonderful!). Later in the evening I met up with my new English friend, Jo, to watch the screening  of “Psycho” in Cannes Classics. The print had been immacuately restored and it was a great experience to watch such an iconic film in the presence of so many other cinema lovers. No celebrity sightings yesterday, though I heard that Kirsten Dunst has been around, as has Ryan Gosling. Perhaps I’ll have more luck today and tomorrow. The time is flying by so quickly, and I can’t believe I leave in 2 days! It has been a surreal experience, that’s for sure. Someone pinch me…

classic day in Cannes

I think it’s safe to say I had a classic and typical day at Cannes yesterday. I woke up early (this time change is tough!!), and walked down to the Palais to get a grip on the day’s happenings. After a necessary coffee (okay, two coffees), and a croissant, I was ready to take on the day. I settled in the Palais bar area and read the many daily publications on the highlights to look forward to. I was lucky enough to get into the Juliette Binoche film, “Certified Copy,” which was a little disappointing. But it was a surreal experience to see the Cannes logo on the screen for the first time, and find myself among film producers, buyers, directors, etc. all hoping to be wowed.

 

Pacific Northwest connections were around every corner yesterday… I met a filmmaker named Rob from NYC while waiting to get into the film, and he is friends with the makers of “Bass Ackwards,” (and other films by the same people) which is in SIFF this year, and has been submitted to our very own Tacoma Film Festival! He is a good person to know, and it was crazy to talk about some of our common ground. Next, he told me that Paul Allen was having a party on his submarine yacht (first, I immediately thought of this year’s 72 hour film Festival winner, “U-253”, obviously), and I should try and get there. First of all, I had no idea how to go about that, and a submarine yacht kind of intimidated me. Anyway, after a quick cat nap, a change of clothes and a delicious dinner at a seafood restaurant, I attempted to get into my 2nd film of the day – “Tamara Drewe”. I arrived plenty early and was not too far back in line, but they somehow mysteriously only let a handful of people in. I heard snickering from those in line with me that sometimes the process is a bit sketchy and the “important” people can always get in first. Oh, well. I started chatting with a young English woman next to me who has a short film here at Cannes. Naturally, we went for a drink and shared stories about being a young person just starting out in the business. This led to going to an industry party at The Grand hotel, and a walk along the Croisette where we saw Mischa Barton entering a lavish party. It was a late night, but definitely worth it. I still have a hard time believing I am actually here and living this experience!

 

Today the film line-up leaves much to be desired, so I plan on taking a little day trip somewhere and perhaps doing some shopping. The sun is out – it is a beautiful day to be here!

My first full day in Cannes

Today is my first full day in Cannes… yesterday was a quite (deliriously) long travel day. I spent much of the afternoon and evening trying to acquaint myself with the city. It is much bigger and more compact than I had imagined! There is so much going on, people EVERYWHERE, and the festival area is seriously enormous. I picked up my badge (it even has a picture of me on it!), then proceeded to walk around the Palais. Nearly every film production/promoter/etc. company EVER has a booth here, and they have plenty of materials to try and convince you to see their film. Speaking of films, I am hoping to see a couple today: “Certified Copy” and “Tamara Drewe”. They both have played once already, so I’m hoping it’s not too crowded.

I’m getting ahead of myself, though… the star-sightings began right off the bat yesterday on my flight from Frankfurt to Nice. All of a sudden I found myself standing within feet of Rachel Bilson (of The OC fame)! She was surprisingly flying solo, but had an ENORMOUS rock on my finger (I’ve forgotten… who is she engaged to?). I was shocked that she didn’t have an entourage and even had to pick up her own baggage. Anyway, once I was in Cannes I meandered around the red carpet and saw the procession of “stars” for the premiere film last night. The only one I recognized was Gael Garcia Bernal… but I’m sure there will be more! I’m off to find some breakfast, and try and stay out of the rain (BOO!). More later…

Just hours away

Today is the day! In just a few hours, I’ll be boarding a plane bound for Frankfurt, Germany, then another to Nice! It’s hard to believe it’s finally here. I am having a mix of anxiety and excitement, but knowing what adventures are ahead of me keeps much of the anxiety out of my mind.

Onto Cannes news…
Legendary director Jean Luc Godard was a no-show at the premiere of his so-called “last” film today in Cannes. “No Comment” was all the communication from his camp to anyone at Cannes. If he needs a spokesperson at his press conferences, I’d be happy to fill in.

The ever-present question that keeps racking my brain: what films will I see? Well I know I’ll be skipping “A Shit Year“. I’m not in the mood to be confused the “labyrinthine” plotline, thank you very much. I’m on vacation!
BUT, this one looks excellent, and is already being received well: “Another Year” from our favorite director, Mike Leigh.

In other news, it seems that a lot of press conferences and star-sightings (even it if it is movie critic Manohla Dargis from USA Today) happen at the American Pavilion at the Palais. I’m thinking it’d be worth the $100 membership to be able to lounge with some of the industry’s hot shots.

Off to tie up some loose ends…

WHEW!

At last, mother nature is cooperating.

Staying up to date

After just 2 days of the festival, there is already a lot to talk about! Film execs making deals and taking on new jobs, filmmakers sticking their noses out there to get noticed, and celeb-gawkers and film buffs alike just trying to catch a glimpse of stars like of Russel Crowe and Kate Beckinsale.

ROBIN HOOD, the opening night selection for the festival, has drawn so-so reviews, and has even been called “doomed” due to its lacking narrative, among other factors.

So, how does one decide what films to see in Cannes (in hopes of avoiding flops like ROBIN HOOD)? Well, as you’d expect, much of it depends on what’s available! I am lucky enough to be “accredited,” which means I can watch films the day after their evening premieres. Each morning, I plan on stopping by the Palais de Festival to see what I can get. I suppose I can’t be too picky, because let’s be honest – seeing any film in the Cannes Film Festival will be amazing.

Looking forward to hearing about more film biz drama and deals, and finally being able to soak up that French Riviera sunshine. Just a matter of days!

Will I make it?

Apparently the Icelandic volcano is still causing problems in air travel over Europe. Here’s to hoping it clears up by Monday (and that Russel Crowe and Sean Penn make it to Cannes, too)!

Three weeks until my departure!

On May 17th, I have the privilege of traveling to the South of France for the 2010 Cannes Film Festival. This is my dream trip, and I very much look forward to learning about the business of film, and how the largest festival in the world is organized. Many of the films we end up showing at the Grand premiered and received accolades in Cannes, and I will definitely keep an eye out for films that might make a good fit for us.

These are my biggest goals for the trip, but I am mostly looking forward to soaking it all in and having fun! Stay tuned here for updates as the trip comes closer, and for news and fun facts while I am in France.

– Emily