Arts
T. FREMEAUX & I. KNOBLOCH UNVEIL THE 22 HAPPY FEW LINE UP FILMS /CANNES 13-24May
78th CANNES FILM FESTIVAL COMPETITION

Cannes Film Festival 2025 Poster (Source: Cannes Film Festival )
USPA NEWS -
"PARTIR D’UN JOUR" (“LEAVING ONE DAY” ) By Amelie BONNIN TO OPEN THE 78th CANENS FILM FESTIVAL / CANNES HEATS UP !
The film “Partir un Jour”, directed by Amelie, will have the honor of opening (out of competition) the 78th Cannes Film Festival. But don’t be fooled by the title — no one’s leaving, everyone’s arriving for this whirlwind of cinephile magic on the Croisette. The most glamorous international film festival is ready to roll out the red carpet… and it’s going to be on fire
Why? Because Hollywood royalty is already on the guest list — Robert De Niro, Denzel Washington, Benicio del Toro, Spike Lee (TBC, for his upcoming film Highest 2 Lowest), and even Tom Cruise himself for the premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (out of competition). That’s the Cannes magic — where blockbusters rub shoulders with indie gems, and cinematic pearls are discovered and shared with the world.
It’s in this spirit — inclusive, curious, and bold — that Cannes has built its legendary reputation over the past 78 years. Every kind of film, from every genre, has a place here… provided it meets the high bar of cinematic quality and storytelling excellence
The film “Partir un Jour”, directed by Amelie, will have the honor of opening (out of competition) the 78th Cannes Film Festival. But don’t be fooled by the title — no one’s leaving, everyone’s arriving for this whirlwind of cinephile magic on the Croisette. The most glamorous international film festival is ready to roll out the red carpet… and it’s going to be on fire
Why? Because Hollywood royalty is already on the guest list — Robert De Niro, Denzel Washington, Benicio del Toro, Spike Lee (TBC, for his upcoming film Highest 2 Lowest), and even Tom Cruise himself for the premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (out of competition). That’s the Cannes magic — where blockbusters rub shoulders with indie gems, and cinematic pearls are discovered and shared with the world.
It’s in this spirit — inclusive, curious, and bold — that Cannes has built its legendary reputation over the past 78 years. Every kind of film, from every genre, has a place here… provided it meets the high bar of cinematic quality and storytelling excellence
"PARTIR D’UN JOUR" (“LEAVING OEN DAY” ) By Amelie BONNIN TO OPEN THE 78th CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
The film “Partir un Jour”, directed by Amelie, will have the honor of opening (out of competition) the 78th Cannes Film Festival. But don’t be fooled by the title — no one’s leaving, everyone’s arriving for this whirlwind of cinephile magic on the Croisette. The most glamorous international film festival is ready to roll out the red carpet… and it’s going to be on fire
Why? Because Hollywood royalty is already on the guest list — Robert De Niro, Denzel Washington, Benicio del Toro, Spike Lee (TBC, for his upcoming film Highest 2 Lowest), and even Tom Cruise himself for the premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (out of competition). That’s the Cannes magic — where blockbusters rub shoulders with indie gems, and cinematic pearls are discovered and shared with the world.
The film “Partir un Jour”, directed by Amelie, will have the honor of opening (out of competition) the 78th Cannes Film Festival. But don’t be fooled by the title — no one’s leaving, everyone’s arriving for this whirlwind of cinephile magic on the Croisette. The most glamorous international film festival is ready to roll out the red carpet… and it’s going to be on fire
Why? Because Hollywood royalty is already on the guest list — Robert De Niro, Denzel Washington, Benicio del Toro, Spike Lee (TBC, for his upcoming film Highest 2 Lowest), and even Tom Cruise himself for the premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (out of competition). That’s the Cannes magic — where blockbusters rub shoulders with indie gems, and cinematic pearls are discovered and shared with the world.
THIS YEAR AGAIN CANNES HEATS UP WITH AMAZING FILMS !
It’s in this spirit — inclusive, curious, and bold — that Cannes has built its legendary reputation over the past 78 years. Every kind of film, from every genre, has a place here… provided it meets the high bar of cinematic quality and storytelling excellence needed to land a spot in competition.
This year, the festival is steered by Iris Knobloch, Festival President, and the ever-passionate Thierry Fremaux, General Delegate (and President of the Institut Lumière in Lyon). They officially unveiled the Official Selection of the 78th Cannes Film Festival during the much-awaited press conference on April 10, 2025.
The list is out: 22 films are now officially competing for the prestigious Palme d’Or, along with side selections, special screenings, and surprises galore. Get ready for a two-week cinematic rollercoaster on the Croisette, from May 13 to 24, 2025
It’s in this spirit — inclusive, curious, and bold — that Cannes has built its legendary reputation over the past 78 years. Every kind of film, from every genre, has a place here… provided it meets the high bar of cinematic quality and storytelling excellence needed to land a spot in competition.
This year, the festival is steered by Iris Knobloch, Festival President, and the ever-passionate Thierry Fremaux, General Delegate (and President of the Institut Lumière in Lyon). They officially unveiled the Official Selection of the 78th Cannes Film Festival during the much-awaited press conference on April 10, 2025.
The list is out: 22 films are now officially competing for the prestigious Palme d’Or, along with side selections, special screenings, and surprises galore. Get ready for a two-week cinematic rollercoaster on the Croisette, from May 13 to 24, 2025
"BEHIND THE SCENES & EYE-POPPING STATS "
The list is out: 22 films are now officially competing for the prestigious Palme d’Or, along with side selections, special screenings, and surprises galore. Get ready for a two-week cinematic rollercoaster on the Croisette, from May 13 to 24, 2025
At the press conference, Thierry Fremaux underlined the titanic work done by the selection committee this year: they watched no less than 2,909 films before narrowing the list down to just over twenty. That’s one-third of all the films produced globally this spring — a testament to the fierce creative energy flowing across the world.
On the gender front: 68% of selected films were directed by men, and 32% by women — progress, even if we’re not yet at full parity.
More impressively, almost half of the selected films — 1,127 to be exact — are first features, highlighting the daring, ambition, and passion of emerging filmmakers from across the globe.
The list is out: 22 films are now officially competing for the prestigious Palme d’Or, along with side selections, special screenings, and surprises galore. Get ready for a two-week cinematic rollercoaster on the Croisette, from May 13 to 24, 2025
At the press conference, Thierry Fremaux underlined the titanic work done by the selection committee this year: they watched no less than 2,909 films before narrowing the list down to just over twenty. That’s one-third of all the films produced globally this spring — a testament to the fierce creative energy flowing across the world.
On the gender front: 68% of selected films were directed by men, and 32% by women — progress, even if we’re not yet at full parity.
More impressively, almost half of the selected films — 1,127 to be exact — are first features, highlighting the daring, ambition, and passion of emerging filmmakers from across the globe.
A HISTORIC ANNIVERSARY MARKS 130 YEARS OF LUMIERE BROTHERES INVENTING CIENMA IN FRANCE
Among these works—representing one third of the world's film production for spring 2025—this highlights the vitality of cinematic creation. The Cannes Festival, now in its 78th year, has become the world's most prestigious and unmissable rendezvous, with 156 countries represented this year, from Egypt to Chile, including France, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, the United States of America, Brazil, Germany, Spain, Iran, Japan, Sweden, Egypt, and even Ukraine!
Among the films viewed by the selection committee...
• And this edition is extra special — it marks the 130th anniversary of cinema, born in Lyon, France, with the invention of the cinematograph by the Lumière brothers. As a tribute, Thierry Fremaux presented his latest documentary "Lumière, l’aventure continue" on March 14 at the Cinematheque française in Paris, alongside Costa-Gavras (a Cannes Serial prizewinner )
• 1982 Winner Palme d'Or Missing. Tied with Yol (1982).
• 1975 Winner Best Director. Special Section. Tied with Orderers (1974).
• 1975 Nominee Palme d'Or. Special Section.
• 1969 Winner Jury Prize. Z. Unanimously.
• 1969 Nominee Palme
Among these works—representing one third of the world's film production for spring 2025—this highlights the vitality of cinematic creation. The Cannes Festival, now in its 78th year, has become the world's most prestigious and unmissable rendezvous, with 156 countries represented this year, from Egypt to Chile, including France, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, the United States of America, Brazil, Germany, Spain, Iran, Japan, Sweden, Egypt, and even Ukraine!
Among the films viewed by the selection committee...
• And this edition is extra special — it marks the 130th anniversary of cinema, born in Lyon, France, with the invention of the cinematograph by the Lumière brothers. As a tribute, Thierry Fremaux presented his latest documentary "Lumière, l’aventure continue" on March 14 at the Cinematheque française in Paris, alongside Costa-Gavras (a Cannes Serial prizewinner )
• 1982 Winner Palme d'Or Missing. Tied with Yol (1982).
• 1975 Winner Best Director. Special Section. Tied with Orderers (1974).
• 1975 Nominee Palme d'Or. Special Section.
• 1969 Winner Jury Prize. Z. Unanimously.
• 1969 Nominee Palme
and Irene Jacob, President of the Cinematheque. The screening was warmly received, with a heartfelt ovation from film professionals and congratulations from French Culture Minister Rachida Dati and CNC President Gael Bruel.
The 100-minute documentary, brilliantly narrated by Fremaux himself, dives into restored Lumière films with humor and historical depth — honoring the roots of cinema while celebrating its enduring magic.
The 100-minute documentary, brilliantly narrated by Fremaux himself, dives into restored Lumière films with humor and historical depth — honoring the roots of cinema while celebrating its enduring magic.
"CANNES BEATS TO RHYTHM OF WORLD "
Finally, Iris Knobloch reminded us of the festival’s founding mission, born in 1939: to offer filmmakers from all over the world a platform for artistic expression. France, she emphasized, remains and will always be a welcoming land for artists and cultures from every corner of the globe.
Cannes 2025 is definitely the one-of-a-kind, global celebration of cinema, storytelling, and creative cultural fire. See you on the red carpet or at La Croisette !
Finally, Iris Knobloch reminded us of the festival’s founding mission, born in 1939: to offer filmmakers from all over the world a platform for artistic expression. France, she emphasized, remains and will always be a welcoming land for artists and cultures from every corner of the globe.
Cannes 2025 is definitely the one-of-a-kind, global celebration of cinema, storytelling, and creative cultural fire. See you on the red carpet or at La Croisette !
Cannes Film Festival Thierry Fremeaux General Director Jury Competition Jedi Foster Rahma Sophia Rachdi
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