This is beginning to sound a bit like a broken record. But as we enter the weekend, we have one more update from the folks at the Cannes Film Festival. No, they’re not canceling. Not yet, at least. Instead, a Cannes spokesperson responded with news that France is canceling public gatherings of more than 100 people and would like film fans to know that the French event is still intending to move forward with its May 12 launch.
READ MORE: Cannes Won’t Make An Official Decision About The Event’s Status Until The End Of April
According to Variety, in response to the new French regulations, a spokesperson for the Cannes Film Festival said, “The latest restriction comes from a plan (by the government) that we hope will start to bear results in April, and by then we will know if the events scheduled for May, at Cannes and elsewhere, will be maintained.”
The statement continued, “We are working hand in hand with the mayor of Cannes and the National Film Board (CNC) to make the festival happen and, if it does, in the best possible conditions.”
This comment follows a week’s worth of comments from the festival and its organizers that continue to be optimistic that the event will be ready to go by May. Obviously, this positivity is based on the assumption that the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic in France (and the rest of the world) will be contained in the next 30 days and everyone will be back to business as usual (or as close as possible) by May 12. Let’s just say that these comments are the most optimistic words you can find about coronavirus anywhere online, as most people are bracing for the pandemic to continue to escalate for at least another month or, most likely, more.
Speaking to the French outlet, Le Monde (via Variety), Cannes director Thierry Fremaux commented, “We have a tradition of saying the Cannes Film Festival is the first sign of summertime. To remain optimistic and keep our fighting spirit, let’s say that this year Cannes will be the first world event where we’ll (celebrate) life again.”
Let’s hope so.
For now, the Cannes Film Festival will begin on May 12.