The 2 other Cannes festivals that no-one ever mentions
Cannes is pretty much synonymous with its cinema festival, held every May in the chic French seaside resort. It’s a big, brash, glitzy event that can attract some 200,000 people over its ten days.
But there are two other movie festivals that attract a different crowd, offering the excitement of the 7th art in a more manageable (and less expensive) format. Travelers get to enjoy Cannes without having to stay out of town, and for better value prices.
Pan-African Film Festival
The Pan-African Film Festival is held in October each year. The concept is in the name, with some 50 movies that represent pan-African themes, coming from some 60 countries worldwide. This is very much about the African diaspora and is one of the best-known festivals in its category. In addition to the actual movies, the festival is a big social event, with concerts, African fashion shows, gala dinners and other get-togethers.
Rencontres Cinématographique
The following month, November, sees another major event hit Cannes. The Rencontres Cinématographiques de Cannes (Cannes Film Meetings) offers a quality selection of movies that are accompanied by a wide range of debates, workshops and “encounters”. The idea is to encourage debate on the subject of movies (and their themes). Each year, numerous premières showcase upcoming movies. They also bring some of the winners of other festivals to town for the discerning audience.
Although less festive than the pan-African event, the Rencontres are a great way to meet other movie buffs in the south of France. A separate section allows professionals to network during the week.
The upcoming Rencontres will be held November 18-24, 2024. This is still a good time to visit Cannes, as the big crowds have long gone, and the city reverts to its small-town charm. Temperatures are at about 62/48°. Showers are likely during that week.
Festival International du Film Pan-African
Rencontres Cinématographique de Cannes
(Michael Leahy. Source: Cannes or Bust. Photo by Helena Jankovičová Kováčová from Pexels.)