With so many events being delayed or canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and no clear end to it in sight, we’re beginning to see the impact on events later in the year. The next big shoe to drop? The Cannes Film Festival, which has now been postponed until a later date.
Cannes was due to kick off on May 12th, but the prestigious French festival has been delayed with possible dates in June through July being considered. The benefit to coming later in the year is that Cannes doesn’t need to be canceled as SXSW and Tribeca have done.
This isn’t something Cannes has done lightly. The festival had been steadfast in staying put, even as films fell by the wayside around it. The plan had been to hold out until April to see what the landscape looked like, but obviously a decision needed to be made sooner rather than later with much of Europe on lockdown.
Here is Cannes’ full statement:
“At this time of global health crisis, our thoughts go to the victims of the Covid-19 and we express our solidarity with all of those who are fighting the disease.
“As soon as the development of the French and international health situation will allow us to assess the real possibility, we will make our decision known, in accordance with our ongoing consultation with the French Government and Cannes’ City Hall as well as with the Festival’s Board Members, Film industry professionals and all the partners of the event.
“In the meantime, the Festival de Cannes lends its vocal support to all of those who firmly call on everyone to respect the general lockdown, and ask to show solidarity in these difficult times for the entire world.”
