While the coronavirus epidemic, which had an impact on every aspect of life, turned the world of cinema upside down, film festivals also suffered from this crisis. Almost all of the film festivals planned to be held in the spring-summer were either postponed to a later date or canceled. Moreover, since the epidemic has not been brought under control yet, it has been questioned whether the film festivals planned to be held in the autumn months such as Toronto and Venice will take place. The most important film festival postponed due to the epidemic was of course the 73rd Cannes Film Festival. The Cannes Film Festival management, which had to postpone the festival, which is planned to be held between 12-23 May this year, stated that the festival can be held in June. Although the festival management has not made an official statement on the subject, Deadline states that the new date set for the festival is June 23-July 4. However, it seems quite difficult to fully control the outbreak in Europe. This shows that the festival may not be held on this date. So what does this mean for the festival? A second delay and a new date or cancellation decision? According to information received by industry professionals, the answer to this question is the second option, namely the cancellation decision. According to the information shared by Deadline, if the festival does not take place in this June-July period determined by the festival management, it is not possible to hold the festival at a later date. Especially of the Main Competition. It is stated that it is possible to organize side selections such as 15 Days of Directors, but there is no decision about this issue. On the other hand, preparations are continuing to make Cannes Film Market online in June-July. Especially General Opinion in the Sector Outside France The 73rd Cannes Film Festival Will Be Canceled
Speaking to Deadline, a European sales representative said that thinking about the Cannes Film Festival this year is living in the dream world, while a South American industry employee who has been in Cannes many times before said he would not risk his life to attend the festival. A German film importer stated that this epidemic will continue at least until the last months of the year and that the idea of organizing the festival in June is absurd. In France, the general belief in the sector is that the situation is uncertain and that the festival can be organized according to the measures to be taken in the country, but almost nobody believes that the festival can be held except France. While the total number of cases in France approached 118 thousand, the number of deaths exceeded 12 thousand. On Monday, 833 people died in the country due to coronavirus. Health Minister Olivier Veran stated that the epidemic has not reached the peak point in the country yet. In the face of this grave picture, quarantine practices were tightened in the country. However, even with these measures, it seems to take time to fully control the outbreak. This supports the claims that the festival will be canceled. While all this is happening, the Cannes Film Festival management continues to contribute to the city of Cannes by opening the festival venues to the homeless.
