Once I came down from the adrenaline of the first few days of Cannes, I found myself wandering around the Palais (the main location of the festival). It was difficult not to get swept up in the chaos and glamour of the festival, but I forced myself to act as an observer for a second, not just a participant. Not only did this help me find a moment of peace in the ten day spectacle, but it made me enjoy my festival experience in a way I hadn’t expected. When I first took out my camera, my goal was to record my surroundings, but it quickly became something more as I walked around and observed more. My purpose transformed into capturing memories of community, a community that was brought about by cinema. It didn’t matter if people were there for the films or for the glam, the festival had achieved an important mission in the modern world of building an international community, even if temporary. Below is a series of photos that captured moments I found ironic, beautiful, ridiculous, and inspiring, all of which brought life beyond the screen of the most prestigious film festival in the world.
Locals and tourists alike find sanctuary in the shade and on their phones. A lonely lion stands guard over the festival, although very few notice.The press. Shaded by a singular tree as celebrities walk the red carpet.People come and go, to watch movies or to get an ice cream.Beach enjoyers basking in the sun before an evening of Cinema de la Plage.A Yorkshire terrier watches the lines grow and grow.A group of friends taking photos on a pier during sunset, the festival to their backs.Locals and tourists watch yachts come and go.Two tickets to “Sirat” please!The high street is closed off for festival goers and other pedestrians. An escape from the midday rush.Two people discuss technical difficulties before a daytime concert.A local enjoys the fading light as workers prep the red carpet.Watching the sun set on the Palais.Festival goers leave their theatre and head to their next event. The poster for the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, framed by Cannes’s infamous palms. Midday, people lining up for Last Minute tickets to an evening premiere.A green fairy is escorted by security to the red carpet.Two riders guard the streets.One of the many hotels to house film representatives. This one boasts WME.
