The Cannes Film Festival, once a hallowed ground for cinematic excellence, has increasingly become a runway for fashion and a platform for influencers. While the glamour of the red carpet draws global attention, it often overshadows the true essence of Cannes: the films. Indian filmmakers, who invest their limited resources and creativity to be part of this prestigious event, deserve more recognition than influencers who dominate headlines with their fashion choices.
The Real Stars: Indian Filmmakers
Indian filmmakers like those behind “All We Imagine As Light” embody the spirit of Cannes. These artists often marshal limited resources, and some even borrow funds to showcase their work at the festival. Despite their significant contributions to cinema, they receive far less attention compared to influencers. The core of Cannes has always been about celebrating films, yet the focus has shifted towards brand endorsements and social media clout.
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The Red Carpet Reality
The allure of the Cannes red carpet is undeniable. However, access to it can be bought. While some big names receive invitations, others purchase their spot, sometimes costing up to ₹30 lakh. Influencers then collaborate with sponsors to cover these costs, creating content for their sponsors in return. This practice raises questions about the authenticity of the representation at Cannes.
Brut’s Influence and the Indian Squad
This year, the French media platform Brut, the official media partner for Cannes, provided its “Brut Indian Squad” with access to the festival. Content creators like Ayush Mehra, Namita Thapar, Viraj Ghelani, and Ankush Bahuguna were part of this squad, gaining attention for their red carpet appearances. However, despite their visibility, only a few, like Nancy Tyagi, truly turned heads with their fashion.
The Backlash
The influx of influencers at Cannes has sparked criticism online. A viral post by Cinemaganj highlighted how influencers overshadow filmmakers and actors, using the festival for publicity rather than promoting cinema. The post emphasized that influencers should leverage their platforms to bring attention to filmmakers, thereby helping them reach a larger audience.
Conclusion: Refocusing on Cinema
Cannes has historically honored exceptional filmmakers and actors, and it should continue to do so. The festival’s essence lies in its celebration of films, not in who wore what. Indian filmmakers, who bring diverse and rich stories to the festival, deserve the spotlight. It’s time to refocus Cannes on its original purpose: celebrating the art of filmmaking.
