The 78th Festival de Cannes officially unveiled its lineup this morning, marking one of the most anticipated moments on the international film calendar. In a packed press conference, festival organizers revealed the films that will define this year’s edition, running from May 13 to 24, 2025. The announcement showcased a mix of veteran directors, emerging voices, and films addressing global, political, and social issues.
Leadership and Vision
Since 2023, the festival has been led by Iris Knobloch, the first woman to hold the position, alongside longstanding artistic director Thierry Frémaux. Speaking at the press event, Knobloch emphasized Cannes’ founding mission: to provide a platform for cinematic freedom, to welcome stories from around the world, and to shine a light on shared human experiences.
“At a time when the temptation to withdraw into oneself is stronger than ever, this message of openness and hope is fundamental,” Knobloch said.
She also noted the festival’s commitment to implementing recommendations from the inquiry into cultural-sector violence, highlighting the institution’s awareness of its responsibilities in today’s cultural landscape.
A Global Festival with Rising Attendance
Citing 2024 statistics, Knobloch highlighted the festival’s continued influence: over 39,000 professionals attended, including 4,200 journalists, and cinema attendance rose by 10%. The Marché du Film welcomed more than 15,000 professionals from 140 countries, confirming Cannes’ central role in the global film ecosystem. Films from last year’s selection went on to garner international recognition, including Césars, BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and Oscars, illustrating the festival’s lasting impact.
Arab Cinema in Focus
This year’s selection features a strong presence of Arab cinema, with four films included across the official competition and Un Certain Regard.
- Erige Sehiri (Tunisia) returns with Promis le ciel in Un Certain Regard, following her acclaimed Sous les figues.
- Morad Mostafa (Egypt) premieres Aisha Can’t Fly Away, co-produced with Tunisia’s Nomadis Images, marking his transition from short films to full-length features.
- Arab and Tarzan Nasser (Gaza) present Once Upon a Time in Gaza, a narrative blending personal memory, political reality, and the resilience of their homeland.
- Tarik Saleh (Sweden/Egypt) returns to Cannes with Les Aigles de la République, a politically charged story rooted in Egyptian society and power dynamics.
A Platform for New Voices
Un Certain Regard highlights emerging talent, including first-time feature directors such as Diego Céspedes (La Misteriosa Mirada del Flamenco), Scarlett Johansson (Eleanor the Great), and Akinola Davies Jr (My Father’s Shadow). These filmmakers represent the festival’s ongoing commitment to fostering new cinematic voices from around the globe.
Competition Highlights
The official competition balances returning masters and new voices. Directors such as Wes Anderson (The Phoenician Scheme), Julia Ducournau (Alpha), Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne (Jeunes Mères), Ari Aster (Eddington), and Dominik Moll (Dossier 137) will compete, alongside films addressing institutional critique, social tensions, and political realities, reflecting Cannes’ dual role as a celebration of cinematic form and a space for reflection on contemporary issues.
Full Selection (Highlights)
Opening Film: Partir un Jour – Amélie Bonnin (first feature, out of competition)
Competition: The Phoenician Scheme, Eddington, Jeunes Mères, Alpha, Les Aigles de la République, Sirat, Dossier 137, among others.
Un Certain Regard: Promis le ciel (Tunisia, Erige Sehiri), Aisha Can’t Fly Away (Egypt, Morad Mostafa), Once Upon a Time in Gaza (Arab & Tarzan Nasser), and multiple first features from emerging filmmakers worldwide.
Special Screenings and Midnight Sessions feature works from Spike Lee (Highest 2 Lowest), Christopher McQuarrie (Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning), Fatih Akin (Amrum), Sebastián Lelio (La Ola), and more.
