Cannes promises ‘electric’ opener, as AI fears feature behind the scenes

Lead

The Cannes Film Festival unrolled its red carpet on Tuesday, promising an action-packed fortnight of world premieres, star-studded events and high fashion. But behind the scenes, the festival is grappling with two big talking points: the rapid disruption of artificial intelligence and the notable absence of major Hollywood studios.

Twenty-two films are competing for the prestigious Palme d'Or, the festival's top prize, which will be awarded on May 23. The main competition includes arthouse heavyweights such as Spain's Pedro Almodóvar, Japan's Hirokazu Kore-eda and Romania's Cristian Mungiu, alongside emerging talent like Belgium's Lukas Dhont and France's Léa Mysius, as reported by France 24 and RFI.

Coverage comparison

Coverage of the festival's opening by five outlets—Africa News, France 24 (two articles), and RFI (two articles)—highlights different angles. Africa News and France 24's first article focus on the glamour and excitement of the event, with headlines emphasizing star-studded red carpets and the variety of films. France 24's second article and both RFI pieces take a more critical tone, examining challenges facing the industry, including AI's impact and the lack of African films in the main competition.

While all outlets agree on the basic facts—22 films in the main competition, the festival's start date, and the presence of African films in the Un Certain Regard section—they differ in emphasis. Africa News and France 24's celebratory pieces highlight the festival's international appeal, whereas RFI's analysis questions whether African cinema is being given a fair shot at the top table.

Key claims

Main competition and jury

The festival's main competition features 22 films from around the world, with the Palme d'Or to be awarded at the closing ceremony. The jury, headed by South Korean director Park Chan-wook, includes US actress Demi Moore and Ivorian actor Isaach de Bankolé, among others, according to multiple sources. Park told AFP on Monday that he felt “a sense of emotion” at becoming the first Korean to head the jury.

African films in Un Certain Regard

Three African films are screening in the Un Certain Regard section: Rwandan director Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo's “Ben’imana,” Congolese director Rafiki Fariala's “Congo Boy,” and French-Moroccan filmmaker Laïla Marrakchi's “Strawberries,” as reported by Africa News and RFI. These films tackle themes of justice, reconciliation, and exploitation. However, as RFI notes, no African-made films are among the 22 contenders for the Palme d'Or, a gap that some industry observers find notable.

Hollywood's absence

Multiple outlets report that no major US studios are launching blockbusters at Cannes this year. France 24 attributes this to cost-cutting, a preference for social media-driven launches, and the risk of critical backlash. The absence is a departure from previous years when Tom Cruise productions premiered at the festival.

AI controversy

Cannes festival director Thierry Frémaux voiced strong opposition to AI's effects on the industry, specifically job losses for dubbing artists and translators. At a news conference, he said, “here in Cannes, we stand with the artists, we stand with the screenwriters.” Frémaux suggested films might one day carry labels saying “this film has been made without artificial intelligence,” as reported by France 24 and RFI.

Other highlights

John Travolta is set to present his directorial debut, according to France 24. The opening ceremony featured Franco-Malian actor Eye Haïdara as host, with performances by singers Theodora and Oklou.

Perspectives

Celebratory tone

Africa News and France 24's opening coverage frame the festival as a glamorous, international celebration of cinema, emphasizing the diversity of films and the presence of African talent in secondary sections.

Critical lens

RFI's articles take a more critical view, highlighting the absence of African films in the main competition and questioning whether a “glass ceiling” exists. Claire Diao, a French-Burkinabè programmer, told RFI that many media outlets noted the festival's focus on European and Western productions.

Industry concerns

France 24's second article and RFI both delve into the AI debate, framing it as a controversy with significant implications for the industry. Frémaux's comments are presented as a strong stance in favor of protecting creative professions.

Mixed picture

While acknowledging the festival's achievements, some coverage stresses the behind-the-scenes tensions—Hollywood's no-show and AI's rapid evolution—as factors that could shape the event's legacy.