The prestigious Cannes Film Festival returns for its 78th edition from May 13 to 24, 2025, and French cinema once again takes center stage. Known for its unparalleled contribution to world cinema, France will be represented by a remarkable selection of films, including five in the main competition for the coveted Palme d’Or.
As a country celebrated for its cinematic heritage, France continues to attract filmmakers from around the globe. This year, nearly 116 new films produced or co-produced by French filmmakers will be showcased across various sections. This impressive lineup includes 65 films selected for the Official Selection, covering a wide range of formats, from feature films to shorts and experimental projects.
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The festival opens with the romantic comedy ‘Bye Bye,’ the debut feature by Amélie Bonnin, starring Bastien Bouillon and Juliette Armanet. Following the opening ceremony, the audience will be treated to a performance by Mylène Farmer, adding to the festive atmosphere. The international jury for this year’s festival is chaired by acclaimed French actress Juliette Binoche.
Among the five French films competing for the Palme d’Or, three are predominantly in French, while two are directed by women. Julia Ducournau, who won the Palme d’Or in 2021 for ‘Titane,’ returns with ‘Alpha,’ starring Tahar Rahim and Golshifteh Farahani. Dominik Moll, known for ‘The Night of the 12th,’ will present ‘Case 137,’ featuring Léa Drucker, while Hafsia Herzi’s ‘The Little Sister,’ an adaptation of Fatima Daas’s novel, also joins the competition.
The other two majority-French films in competition include ‘Deux procureurs’ by Ukrainian filmmaker Sergei Loznitsa, based on a story from the Stalin regime, and ‘Nouvelle Vague’ by American director Richard Linklater, which delves into the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s iconic film ‘Breathless.’
Outside of the main competition, the festival features a strong lineup in other categories. Special Screenings will showcase animated films such as ‘A Magnificent Life’ by Sylvain Chomet and ‘Little Amélie’ by Liane-Cho Han and Mailys Vallade. Un Certain Regard will present works from emerging talents like Hubert Charuel and Stéphane Demoustier.
In parallel sections, Directors’ Fortnight will pay tribute to Laurent Cantet and feature new works by Antony Cordier and Julia Kowalski. Meanwhile, Critics’ Week will open with ‘Adam’s Sake’ by Laura Wandel and close with ‘Dandelion’s Odyssey’ by Momoko Seto. The ACID selection includes documentaries by Sepideh Farsi and Sylvain George.
This year’s Cannes Film Festival promises to be a celebration of French cinema’s creativity and diversity, reinforcing its enduring presence on the global stage. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the event.
