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Cannes · Cannes, France

Cannes Film Festival

Founded 1946Usually MayPalais des Festivals, Cannes

One of the world's most prestigious film festivals, whose main competition has long premiered major works of Asian cinema.

The festival

Founded in 1946 and held each May on the French Riviera, Cannes is among the most prestigious and influential film festivals in the world. Its top prize, the Palme d'Or, has been awarded since 1955.

Worth knowing

Cannes has been a major launchpad for Asian cinema, with Palme d'Or winners including Japan's Hirokazu Kore-eda for 'Shoplifters' (2018) and South Korea's Bong Joon-ho for 'Parasite' (2019), the first South Korean film to take the award. A strong Cannes reception often shapes an Asian film's international profile.

How to attend

The main festival is an industry and press event rather than a public one, though a parallel Cannes Cinéphiles program and public screenings offer some access to local audiences.

Official site →

Dates and programs change year to year — check the official site for the current edition.