Fascinating secrets of the Cannes Film Festival

The Cannes Film Festival is known for glamour, cinema, and legendary red carpet moments. But its history is also filled with protests, scandals, bizarre traditions, and surprising rules. Here are six fascinating facts about the world’s most iconic film festival." (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Cannes Was Created to Fight Fascism: The festival was originally conceived in 1939 as an alternative to the Venice Film Festival, which had fallen under fascist political influence in the 1930s. French diplomat Philippe Erlanger pushed for a festival free from censorship and political pressure. (wikimedia commons)

Cannes Once Stopped Mid-Festival: In 1968, filmmakers including Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut shut down the festival in solidarity with nationwide student protests happening across France. Screenings were halted before the festival could finish. (wikimedia commons)

Selfies Were Discouraged at Cannes: In 2018, Cannes director Thierry Frémaux criticized red carpet selfies, calling them “ridiculous and grotesque.” While selfies weren’t officially banned, the festival tried to discourage them because they slowed movement on the iconic staircase. (youtube: official youtube chanel of the cannes international film festival)

The Red Carpet Has 24 Steps: The famous staircase leading into the Palais des Festivals has exactly 24 steps and is covered by 60 metres of red carpet. The carpet is reportedly changed three times a day to keep it looking flawless for celebrities and photographers. (wikimedia commons)

There’s an Award Just for Dogs: Besides the prestigious Palme d’Or, Cannes also hosts the quirky Palm Dog Award, given annually to the best canine performance in a film. Past winners include dogs from films like Marie Antoinette and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. (instagram: bucknerphoto)

World War II Delayed the First Festival: The very first Cannes festival was supposed to begin in September 1939, but World War II broke out just as it was about to start. The festival finally launched in 1946, with screenings held inside a casino because there was no official venue yet. (wikimedia commons)