Cannes Film Festival: What do the people of Cannes really think about it?

Every year, the Cannes Film Festival plunges the city into a unique fervor. Between celebrities, red carpet walks, tourists and activity on the Croisette, the daily life of Cannes residents transforms for nearly two weeks. Residents and visitors share their experience of this event.

Over the years, the Cannes Film Festival has shaped a special relationship between the event and those who live to its rhythm. Many Cannes residents describe an experience mixing pride, curiosity and daily constraints, each with their own perspective on these two weeks out of time. Among them, Tom, 25 years old, a Cannes resident familiar with the festival, sees the event as marking “the beginning of the summer season.” In his eyes, this period brings dynamism to a city that is usually quieter in winter. Every year, the young man attends with his friends to enjoy the atmosphere and try to catch a glimpse of celebrities. This year, Tom was hoping to see international singer Dua Lipa. Despite traffic difficulties and the often saturated Croisette, the Cannes resident believes that the organization remains efficient.

The same observation from Célia, who came specially from Toulon to experience the Cannes Film Festival. For a weekend, the young woman stays in Nice in order to fully enjoy the event and the atmosphere of the French Riviera. According to her, the festival atmosphere is “unique” and must be experienced on site to understand the adrenaline of the red carpet walks. Célia was notably able to spot Pierre Niney, Adèle Exarchopoulos and John Travolta. However, she highlights the long hours of waiting and the difficulty of getting a good spot to see the stars.

A unique atmosphere for cinema lovers

Helena, 21 years old, a young Cannes resident who wants to pursue a career in cinema, considers the Cannes Film Festival as a major event. She explains that she follows all festival news and emphasizes how much the city changes during this period: heightened security, denser population and much more intense pace. According to Helena, “a true magic takes hold” during the festival, where everyone can randomly encounter a celebrity around a corner.

For many, the Cannes Film Festival represents a major tourism and cultural stake for Cannes. For two weeks, hotels, restaurants, bars and streets remain lively day and night. The event brings together all generations, from the youngest to the oldest, whether they are cinema enthusiasts, merely curious or tourists who came to discover the festival atmosphere.

This period also represents a true opportunity for many professionals. Photographers, journalists, content creators and influencers benefit from the international visibility of the festival to develop their activities and cover the event closely.

Between encounters and daily constraints

Beyond cinema, many residents highlight the human aspect of the festival. It allows people to create memories, make connections and socialize with people from around the world. In Cannes, during this period, the entire city seems to live to the rhythm of the festival.

But this fervor also has its limits. Some residents mention crowded transport, complicated travel and difficult-to-access streets. Others regret the lack of accessibility to certain screenings, with accreditations being deemed very difficult to obtain for the general public. Finally, some Cannes residents who have no particular interest in the event say they eagerly await the return to calm once the festival is over.

An emblematic event for some, too intrusive for others, the Cannes Film Festival nonetheless continues to excite the city every year and remains deeply rooted in Cannes’ identity!