Cannes International Film Festival Postponed Due to COVID-19 Spread, "Review at the End of June"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jong-gil] The Cannes International Film Festival, originally scheduled to be held on May 12, has been postponed due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). On the 19th (local time), the executive committee announced, "We are unable to hold the 73rd festival as planned," and added, "We are considering holding it from late June to early July." They plan to monitor the domestic and international COVID-19 situation closely and announce future schedules accordingly.

This is the first time the Cannes International Film Festival schedule has been postponed. In 1948 and 1950, the festival was not held at all due to financial difficulties. In 1968, the event was canceled during the festival period due to the social transformation movement (May 1968 protests).

Initially, the executive committee showed determination to proceed by announcing the invited films on April 16. However, as the spread of COVID-19 accelerated recently in France, they decided to postpone. As of the 19th, 9,134 confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported in the country, with 244 deaths.

If the COVID-19 situation prolongs, the festival may be postponed until after autumn. The possibility of cancellation cannot be ruled out either. However, since many companies worldwide have already paid participation fees for the film market at this festival, it is evaluated that the chance of cancellation is low.

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