Skip to main content

How to Attend Cannes Film Festival

Cannes Film Festival

The Cannes Film Festival is a prestigious annual film festival held in Cannes, France. It was first held in 1946 and is considered one of the most important events in the film industry. The festival showcases new films from around the world and awards the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) to the best film. 

It is attended by celebrities, filmmakers, and industry professionals, and is a significant platform for the promotion and sales of new films. The festival is held in May every year and lasts for about 12 days.

Attend Cannes Film Festival

Here are some steps you can follow to attend the Cannes Film Festival:

  • Determine the dates: The festival takes place in May annually and lasts for around 12 days. Check the festival's official website for exact dates.
  • Get Accredited: To attend the festival, you need to be accredited. You can apply for accreditation as a journalist, professional or industry member on the festival's website.
  • Book Travel and Accommodations: Cannes is popular during the festival so book travel and accommodations early. Consider booking a tour or package that includes festival access.
  • Purchase Tickets: Once accredited, you can purchase tickets for festival screenings and events. Purchase tickets online or at the festival's box office.

Getting Accreditation for Cannes Film Festival

Have accreditation and tickets with you and plan ahead for events and screenings you want to attend.

  • Determine Eligibility: Accreditation is typically granted to journalists, professionals, and industry members. Check the festival's website for eligibility.
  • Apply for Accreditation: Provide information about professional background and reasons for attending the festival.
  • Submit Required Documents: Provide proof of professional credentials such as press credentials, portfolio of work or letter from employer.
  • Wait for Confirmation: The accreditation committee will review the application and determine accreditation. This process can take several weeks.
  • Purchase Tickets: Once accredited, purchase tickets for festival screenings and events.

Types of Access Badges

  • Film Professional Badge: For industry professionals like filmmakers, producers, and distributors with access to all festival venues.
  • Press Badge: For journalists and press with access to all festival venues, including press conferences.
  • Marché du Film Badge: For industry professionals attending the film market with access to film market and industry events, not screenings.
  • Producers Network Badge: For producers attending the Producers Network with access to network events and film market, not screenings.
  • Film Crew Badge: For film crew members with access to festival venues and screenings, not film market or industry events.
  • Film Lovers Badge: For general public with access to screenings, not film market or industry events. 
    What happens at Cannes Film Festival

Best Days to Attend Cannes Film Festival

The best days to attend the Cannes Film Festival can vary depending on your personal interests and priorities. Here are some factors to consider when choosing which days to attend the festival:

  1. Red Carpet Premieres: If you are interested in attending the red carpet premieres of the most highly-anticipated films, then you may want to plan to attend the festival during the first few days. This is when many of the biggest films are premiered and the biggest stars are in attendance.
  2. Competition Screenings: If you are interested in seeing the films that are in competition for the Palme d'Or award, then you may want to attend the festival during the middle of the festival. This is when the competition screenings are held, and you will have the chance to see some of the most highly-regarded films of the year.
  3. Industry Events: If you are interested in attending industry events and networking with film professionals, then you may want to attend the festival during the later days. This is when many of the industry events are held, including panel discussions, masterclasses, and networking parties.
  4. Film Market: If you are interested in the business side of the film industry, then you may want to attend the festival during the film market. The film market is a trade show where film producers, distributors, and sales agents come together to buy and sell films.

These are some of the factors to consider when choosing which days to attend the Cannes Film Festival. Keep in mind that the festival is a highly dynamic and fast-paced event, and that there is always something happening, regardless of which days you attend.

The best days to attend will depend on your personal interests and priorities, so make sure to plan ahead and choose the days that will best meet your needs.