As the prestigious Cannes Film Festival prepares to unfurl its red carpet for its 77th edition, starting May 14 through May 24, the cinematic world is abuzz with excitement. Notably, this year’s festival holds a special significance for India, with an unprecedented presence in the event’s lineup. The festival will open with Quentin Dupieux’s “Le Deuxieme Acte” (The Second Act) and feature an entry in almost every major cinematic section, heralding a grand showcase of global storytelling art.
India’s impact on this global stage is anticipated to be particularly strong this year, with a record-breaking eight Indian or India-themed films entering the festival, six of which will compete for the prestigious awards. This remarkable participation from the world’s largest film-producing nation promises a riveting celebration of Indian cinema.
As the festival draws to a close on May 24 and 25, the extensive media from India and internationally might find themselves inundated with stories of cinematic triumphs to tell. The ceremony will indeed serve as a testament to the prolific and diverse nature of Indian filmmaking.
Viewers around the world eager to catch the highly anticipated event can access exclusive coverage broadcasted by France Télévisions in the French Riviera. Additionally, international audiences can tune in to Brut for broadcasts outside of France. On the digital front, enthusiasts can live stream the festival on its official YouTube channel, and can count on social media platforms for updates, including glamorous red carpet appearances.
Adding to the grandeur of the festival, it has been announced that Greta Gerwig, famed for her directorial work on “Barbie”, will preside over the jury. Expressing her passion for cinema, Gerwig stated, “I love films. I love making them, I love going to them, I love talking about them. Cannes has always been the pinnacle of what the universal language of movies can be.” She expressed her deep appreciation and excitement for the jury president’s role, underlining the festival’s reputation for premiering groundbreaking films.
As the lights dim and the screens come alive, the red carpet will also witness the presence of acclaimed Bollywood celebrities. “Heeramandi” actor Aditi Rao Hydari and the former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are set to grace the event as ambassadors of the cosmetic giant L’Oreal Paris. Their attendance is not merely a testament to their individual star power but also indicative of the growing influence of Indian actors in global fashion and beauty spheres.
Joining them in representing brand India is Sobhita Dhulipala, who will be attending the festival in association with premium ice cream brand Magnum India. Dhulipala expressed her excitement for the festival, stating, “Taking my journey with Magnum a notch higher with the Cannes Film Festival is both exciting and symbolic of my relationship with the brand…” She further remarked on the significance of aligning with a brand that celebrates fashion, film, and flavour in such a prestigious context.
The influence of Indian cinema and culture is further accentuated by the attendance of a cadre of Indian influencers ready to strut their fashion sensibilities on one of the world’s most watched walkways. Among them are RJ Karishma, Ankush Bahuguna, Sanjyot Keer, Niharika NM, and Aastha Shah, who are poised to leave their own stylish imprint on the Cannes red carpet.
The 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival stands as a beacon of international cinema, and the remarkable Indian presence this year is a celebration of the country’s burgeoning influence on the global film industry. With artistry, glamour, and the universal language of film at the heart of the event, the festival is poised to foster cinematic dialogues and cross-cultural exchanges that resonate well beyond the echelons of the French Riviera.
