Earlier today, I wrote that the 2020 Cannes Film Festival is currently on life support and the French President just pulled the plug. However, according to the organizers of the event, it appears that not all hope is lost. At least, not yet. But it’s looking grim.
READ MORE: Cannes Cancellation Seems Likely As French President Extends Public Event Ban Into July
According to a new statement released by organizers of the Cannes 2020 (via Deadline), the extension of the ban on public events in France until mid-July has made the postponement of the film festival “no longer an option.” And that means that they must begin to “explore all contingencies” for how to continue to have Cannes in a way that would appease regulations and still “support the year of cinema.”
Considering the Cannes officials have been steadfast in their disapproval of an online version of the festival, where industry professionals and press might be able to stream films from their homes, it’s unclear what other options exist at this point.
While a decision doesn’t appear to be happening today, the organizers said they hope to be able to “communicate promptly regarding the shapes that this Cannes 2020 will take” sometime soon. So, as we said, the 2020 Cannes Film Festival seems to be on its last legs, but maybe there is actually a way for it to happen this year. We’ll just have to wait and find out.
READ MORE: Cannes Boss Says An Online Version Of The Fest Isn’t An Option If The Event Is Canceled
Here’s the full statement from the Cannes organizers:
Following the French President’ statement, on Monday, April 13th, we acknowledged that the postponement of the 73rd International Cannes Film Festival, initially considered for the end of June to the beginning of July, is no longer an option.
It is clearly difficult to assume that the Festival de Cannes could be held this year in its original form.
Nevertheless, since yesterday evening we have started many discussions with professionals, in France and abroad. They agree that the Festival de Cannes, an essential pillar for the film industry, must explore all contingencies allowing to support the year of Cinema by making Cannes 2020 real, in a way or another.
When the health crisis, whose resolution remains the priority of all, passes, we will have to reiterate and prove the importance of cinema and the role that its work, artists, professionals, film theatres and their audiences, play in our lives. This is how the Festival de Cannes, the Marché du Film and the parallel sections (Semaine de la Critique, Quinzaine des Réalisateurs, ACID), intend to contribute. We are committed to it and we would like to thank everyone who is by our side, public officials (Cannes’ City Hall, Ministry of Culture, the CNC), industry members as well as our partners.
Each and everyone knows that many uncertainties are still reigning over the international health situation. We hope to be able to communicate promptly regarding the shapes that this Cannes 2020 will take.