The Cannes Film Festival Happened, for all of Three Days

The 73^rd Cannes Film Festival was scheduled to take place from May 12 to 23, 2020. However it was yet another in a long list of annual events that got cancelled abruptly due to the pandemic. The festival management announced in April that the much anticipated event could not be held in its "original form", and that alternative means of observing the festival were being explored.

A subdued version of the film fest was held for three days, from October 27. The opening night, called the &lsquoSpecial Cannes&rsquo programme, showcased a selection of four films that received the prestigious label, as well as the full Cinefondation line-up and a short film competition.

At the opening screening of Emmanuel Courcol&rsquos crowd-pleasing comedy drama &lsquoThe Big Hit&rsquo, the security measures were more elaborate than ever, the state-of-the-art auditorium was at full capacity and the screening was prefaced by an introduction from Cannes delegate general Thierry Fremaux. Every attendee had to keep their mask on throughout the film, and filmgoers were seated at least one seat apart from their neighbour on either side. 

Thierry Fremaux, chief of the Cannes Film Festival, has come out with a three-pronged strategy for next year&rsquos festival, which is to be held from May 11 to 22, 2021, if delayed, then the organisation has blocked one set of dates in the first half of July, the second in the second half of the month, and finally the third in the first 15 days of August.