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.
Watching the sun set on the Palais.A lonely lion stands guard over the festival, although very few notice.The high street is closed off for festival goers and other pedestrians. Locals and tourists alike find sanctuary in the shade and on their phones. Two riders guard the streets.One of the many hotels to house film representatives. This one boasts WME.The press. Shaded by a singular tree as celebrities walk the red carpet.A local enjoys the fading light as workers prep the red carpet.The poster for the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, framed by Cannes’s infamous palms. Two people discuss technical difficulties before a daytime concert.People come and go, to watch movies or to get an ice cream.Two tickets to “Sirat” please!Festival goers leave their theatre and head to their next event. Locals and tourists watch yachts come and go.A group of friends taking photos on a pier during sunset, the festival to their backs.Midday, people lining up for Last Minute tickets to an evening premiere.An escape from the midday rush.A Yorkshire terrier watches the lines grow and grow.A green fairy is escorted by security to the red carpet.Beach enjoyers basking in the sun before an evening of Cinema de la Plage.
