Festival De Cannes

In this short episode, we would like to visit the first edition of the Cannes Film Festival from 1946. Since the invitation is valid for all film enthusiasts, we invite you to put on the best attire from the dressing room, and let's go on together to walk on the carpet among the most influential individuals of the film industry, such as Alfred Hitchcock, Roberto Rossellini, Jean Cocteau, and other wonderful artists of all time. Let's go!

Do you know which films were first screened at the first opening of the Cannes Film Festival in 1946? If not, you are welcome to add some of them to your "must watch" list.

Among the most notable films that debuted at the first full-fledged Cannes Film Festival in 1946 was a film titled Rome, città aperta, which translates to "Rome, Open City," directed by Roberto Rossellini from Italy. This film was shot on the authentic streets of Rome shortly after the war, in 1944, and follows a diverse group of characters trying to cope with the Nazi occupation, focusing on a resistance fighter who is trying to get out of the city with the help of a Catholic priest. The title refers to Rome’s status as an open city after it was declared as such on August 14, 1943. Open City is considered one of the most important and representative works of Italian neorealism and an important step for Italian cinema as a whole. It was one of the first postwar Italian films to gain international recognition and awards, winning the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1946 and receiving a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 19th Oscars. The film brought director Rossellini, screenwriter Fellini, and actress Anna Magnani to international attention.

Although Rome, Open City became an icon of neorealism, Rossellini mentioned that at the afternoon screening almost all the viewers fell asleep after lunch. Supposedly only he and his brother remained awake in the hall. We don't know how true this statement is, but we can always try to watch and see what will happen.

The second film we chose to present to you is a strong French psychological drama, "La symphonie pastorale," directed by Jean Delannoy from France. This drama is based on the 1919 novel of the same name by André Gide. It was an important film for post-war French cinema, and the film won the Palme d'Or and the award for Best Actress for Michèle Morgan.

If you wonder where the idea of an international French festival arose from, the festival was created as a response to political interference at the Venice Film Festival in the late 1930s, when fascist influences affected the jury's decisions. Outraged jury members from France, Great Britain, and the USA withdrew from Venice; on the return from Venice, Philippe Erlanger proposed organizing a competing festival without such influence, and Jean Zay secured state support for the project. Local officials and hoteliers in Cannes, including supporters around Georges Prade, lobbied for hosting the festival and ensured the selection of the city over other French locations. Later development involved many cultural and film figures who shaped the festival's program and international relations.

Finally, the first full edition of the Festival de Cannes took place in 1946; over the following decade, it consolidated its international status and was formally accredited by FIAPF (Fédération Internationale des Associations de Producteurs de Films) in 1951. The festival's main prize, the Palme d'Or, and other awards contributed to strengthening its prestige.

Perhaps it may be interesting for you to know that during the festival the most curious moments occurred; apparently, during the screening of Alfred Hitchcock's film Notorious, the projectionists ran the reels in the wrong order. The audience watched scenes that made no sense, and it was only later discovered that the film had simply been played backwards. Well, things happen; we better move on quickly. :)

As it would not be enough, next the Mexican film The Three Musketeers, directed by Miguel M. Delgado, was accidentally projected upside down. It was a mistake during the handling of the film reel, and the audience had to patiently endure it until the technicians figured out what was happening.

The beginnings tend to always be hard, as we know, but all these epic moments will remain in our memories as a stepping stone to something huge and prestigious and celebrated all over the world. The first edition of Cannes was not about glamour but about spontaneity and post-war joy. The funniest moments arose precisely because the festival was not yet "perfect," and that is exactly what gave it charm. :)

Presently, the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 12 to May 23, 2026. This year’s edition will be special because the Apple Original Films movie, Night Flight to Los Angeles, will have its world premiere in the Debussy Hall of the Palais des Festivals in the presence of John Travolta. Featured in the Cannes premiere lineup, Night Flight to Los Angeles (Propeller One-Way Night Coach) is an adaptation of a book published in 1997 by a Hollywood star who has been a passionate aviation enthusiast since childhood and is an experienced professional pilot. If you are interested in watching this film, it will be available on Apple TV from May 29, 2026.

79th Edition of Cannes Film Festival Poster

Thank you for reaching this far with us; we truly hope you enjoyed the first film festival in Cannes with us and enjoyed the spontaneous environment filled with joy and passion. Hope to see you soon here with us.

Till next time.

Festival De Cannes

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