CANNES 2021 - Marche Du Film Welcomes You in Person
Last year’s virtual markets created a thirst in mamy film industry professionals to attend festivals in person. We all are itching to get out of Zoom meetings and replace them back with face-to-face contact. Marché du Film in 2021 gave you this opportunity, even if sometimes it was mask-to-mask contact.
Prevailing vibe was a joyful celebration of getting together back to cinemas, to watch films on a silver screen. Many premieres were postponed last year, some were switched to only digital release. The feeling of sitting in a screening room with other people is irreplacable. I had a pleasure to attend two red-carpet premieres: Ari Folman’s animated feature film “Where is Ann Frank?” and a documentary film “Cow” by Andrea Arnold. Both films were absolutely spectacular showcasing a remarkable cinematic achievements. Please check out here my review “Cow”.
However, COVID-19 reality was apparent during the entire event. Obligatory vaccination certificates or proof of negative test results were required before entering cinemas and Palace Des Festivals. Numerous networking events and festival parties were cancelled this year. Overall, much less people were able to come due to travel restrictions. Masks were obligatory.
There were also some notable absences this year. American Pavilion that serves as a melting pot of American film industry during Cannes Film Festival was not present this year. International village definitely lacked its noteworthy line-up of events, talks and parties. Iconic Carlton Hotel has been closed for renovations due to pandemic. And many many participants couldn’t join us in Cannes.
Nevertheless, the magic of Cannes Film Festival filled the air. Celebrities walked the red carpet stairs. Films received standing ovations. Deals were made. Film industry prevails.
