[Here is Cannes] The Disappearing Queues and Changed Scenes Compared to 2 Years Ago... Spotlight on 'Emergency Declaration'

On-site Coverage of the 74th Cannes International Film Festival

[Cannes (France) = Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus Disease) could not stop film professionals from around the world who gathered with passionate enthusiasm. Under the clear blue summer sky, the Cannes Film Festival resumed after 2 years and 2 months, sailing smoothly in a unique atmosphere.

The 74th Cannes International Film Festival is taking place near the Palais des Festivals in the southern French resort city of Cannes. This festival resumed after the pandemic. What has changed this year? It is a hot topic whether this will mark the revival of the global film festivals that had been sluggish.

Security at this year’s Cannes International Film Festival is tighter than ever. Compared to the 72nd Cannes Film Festival in 2019, when director Bong Joon-ho’s "Parasite" won the Palme d’Or, the number of armed soldiers and police officers has noticeably increased.

Of course, even then, the entry procedures to the Palais des Festivals building were strict. To prepare for risks such as terrorism, the barcode on press badges was checked, and thorough security inspections of bags and belongings were conducted. In addition, this year, entry is only allowed after verifying a negative COVID-19 test QR code (European Union Digital COVID Certificate), making it even more stringent.

Before departure, although reporters carried proof of vaccination 28 days prior and a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate in English from Korea, these were not valid locally at all. Reporters from non-EU countries, including Asian press, must undergo saliva tests at a temporary screening clinic near the press center. Results come out 5 to 6 hours after testing, and if negative, a QR code issued by the EU is provided. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests can yield results in one hour but cost 50 euros.

Though spitting for the test is inconvenient, the system gives an impression of being well managed. Another noticeable change is the large number of non-EU press badge holders heading to the temporary screening clinic. This reflects Cannes Film Festival’s concern. Although cumbersome, it is remarkable that the festival can accommodate the global press without major inconvenience. Countries planning international film festivals in the future are expected to pay attention to this year’s Cannes Film Festival case.

It is also impressive that more filmmakers than ever are spotted on the Nice beach. Many famous actors worldwide, including director Spike Lee, were seen on the beach on the 14th, attracting the attention of locals enjoying their holidays. This year’s Cannes Film Festival, held in July due to COVID-19, coincides with the holiday season in Nice, creating an atmosphere with more people gathered than ever. However, compared to previous festivals, the fact that filmmakers appear freely on the streets, causing exclamations here and there, is striking.

There is another changed scene at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Press from various countries wearing press badges used to line up in long queues by badge color to watch films, which was part of the festival’s charm. This also served as a measure of interest in the films. However, this year, such scenes are absent. Cannes Film Festival introduced an online reservation system to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Popular films sold out immediately upon opening, leading to a "picketing" (press + ticketing) battle among the global press.

The same applies to "Emergency Declaration." The film, which was screened for the press at 8:30 a.m. on the 15th, received overwhelming attention among the films shown that day and quickly sold out. This reflects the difference in global press interest toward Korean films since "Parasite."

Photo by each agency

The festival, which opened on the 6th (local time), officially begins its Korean film schedule two days before closing. On the morning of the 15th, the out-of-competition invited film "Emergency Declaration" will be first shown to the press through a screening at the Cannes Film Festival’s 60th Anniversary Hall, followed by an official screening at 10:15 p.m. on the 16th at the Lumi?re Grand Theatre. Actors Song Kang-ho, Lee Byung-hun, Im Si-wan, and director Han Jae-rim will walk the red carpet, lighting up the final night of the Cannes Film Festival.

The actors are enjoying the festival ahead of their busy schedules. Song Kang-ho, the first male actor to serve as a jury member, is handling a hectic schedule, while Lee Byung-hun and Im Si-wan are preparing for their official activities by dining at local restaurants and exercising while following quarantine guidelines.

Lee Byung-hun will close this year’s Cannes Film Festival as the first Korean actor to serve as a presenter at the closing ceremony. This holds special meaning as it overlaps with the moment in 2019 at the 72nd festival’s closing ceremony when "Parasite" was announced as the Palme d’Or winner, and director Bong Joon-ho and Song Kang-ho shared joyful smiles, making history.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.