Introducing the Cannes Film Festival 2021

This week marks the return of one of the most important and often hotly-anticipated events in the film industry, the Cannes Film Festival. Staging its 74th edition this year, the famous festival returns after it was canceled last year due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. Now, however, since France has reopened and things are slowly getting back to normal, it will run from July 6 to 17, 2021. The glistening city of Cannes will play host to big stars, sparkling glamour, and film excellence once again. Here’s what you need to know about the 2021 edition.

All About Cannes

While the limelight during the Cannes Film Festival would definitely be on the hottest celebs, the stylish red carpet stars, the new films premiering, and more, the city of Cannes itself can still steal the spotlight. Let's not forget that this year's festival will also serve as one of the first international events that France will host after it has reopened post-pandemic. And since it's the summer season now, the event will pose as the perfect advertisement as a top destination for a vacation. After all, there's so much to do here, be it shopping, fine dining, partying on a yacht, and more! Source: Wikimedia Commons

The Legacy of Moviemaking Excellence

Despite its glossy reputation, the Cannes Film Festival has always been a celebration of the finest moviemaking around the world. Unlike the American awards and accolades, this event actually highlights the best movies in different countries, not just in France. Though they also can't deny that the favor does tilt heavily to French and European filmmakers, the festival has still recognized a diverse set of winners of the years. In fact, just in the last three editions, the coveted Palme d'Or was won by Korean director Bong Joon-Ho for 'Parasite' (2019), Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda for 'Shoplifters' (2018), and Swedish director Ruben Östlund for 'The Square' (2017). Source: Wikimedia Commons

Who To Expect

Of course, for a lot of fans out there, especially those lucky enough to be in Cannes during the festival, the most exciting part is getting to see all the big-named celebrities. This 2021, its famed jury members include a bevy of popular stars, led by this year's president, Oscar-winning director Spike Lee. Accompanying him are Golden Globe-winning actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, French actress Mélanie Laurent, Korean actor Song Kang-ho, Australian film director Jessica Hausner, and French popstar Mylène Farmer, among many others. Other notable names such as Jodie Foster, Matt Damon, Isabelle Huppert, and director Steve McQueen will also take part in the festival's popular Masterclass events, “Rendez-vous with…” Source: Wikimedia Commons

The Films in Competition

Now, let's talk about some of the films competing for Palme d'Or in this edition. This year’s selection will have a total of 24 movies in competition and among the huge favorites is the opening film, 'Anette.' A movie musical starring Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard, they play the unlikely duo of a stand-up comedian and a world-famous opera singer whose daughter, the titular Anette, was born with a unique gift. One of this film's main competitions is the Hungarian-French romantic drama, 'The Story of my wife,' starring Léa Seydoux and Gijs Naber. It tells the story of a sea captain who makes a bet with his friend that he'll marry the first person who walks into the café they're in. Source: Films Boutique YouTube Channel

Other Films To Get Excited About

Another of the most highly-anticipated films in the competition is Wes Anderson's 'The French Dispatch.' The movie marks Anderson's first live-action feature since 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' in 2014. It will also feature a star-studded cast with the likes of Benicio del Toro, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, Timothée Chalamet, and more. Meanwhile, British drama 'Mothering Sunday,' starring Odessa Young and Josh O'Connor, is set to be French director Eva Husson's return to the festival (though out of the competition) since her 2018 entry, 'Girls of the Sun.' The story tells of a maid in post-World War I England who secretly plans to meet with the love of her life before he marries another woman. Source: SearchlightPictures YouTube Channel

Animated films will also take center stage in the 74th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. One of them is 'Where is Anne Frank' by Ari Folman. The story tells of Kitty, Anne Frank's imaginary friend who she mentioned frequently who she devoted her famous diary. In modern-day Amsterdam, Kitty comes to life and believes that, since she's alive, so must Anne Frank. Another animated feature that's bound to steal the spotlight is 'Belle' by Mamoru Hosoda. This anime film marks the celebrated filmmaker's first selection into the festival, though it's not in competition. It tells the story of the shy and insecure high student Suzu, whose virtual persona, Belle, has over 5 billion followers online. Source: ©2021 STUDIO CHIZU/ Studio Chizu YouTube Channel

Ready For The Glamour?

Last but not the least, the Cannes Film festival is sure to bring glamour back to Cannes. From the most popular actresses to the hottest supermodels, the Cannes Film Festival red carpet has always been a fashion show in its own right. When these celebrities wear the most famous French designers, the most coveted jewelers, and more, all of the social media often turns into a frenzy. It's even been known to rival the likes of the Academy Awards and the Met Gala. Surely, after a year of staying at home, many would want to see the luxurious opulence that is the Cannes Film Festival. Source: Wikimedia Commons

The 74th Cannes Film Festival this July 2021 will highlight the best of the best in filmmaking once again. This year marks the annual event's return after it was canceled last 2020 due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. And there's a lot to look forward to in this edition!