Straight from the chair
The silver screen is a fundamental part of our lives,
offering up a collective homecoming that elevates the everyday and homes in on shared realities, inner musings, and unique points of view. Cameras in hand, the world’s film-makers are our light-bearers, expressing perspectives and reflecting on humanity while capturing their personal truths – all uninterrupted. Their stories travel far and wide, drawing audiences’ emotions along in their wake.
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This all-important emotion is irreplaceable, nourishing the soul and reminiscent of the rush of feeling that the Festival de Cannes sparks in all lovers of film. Over the past 75 editions, its awards, revelations, and causes have seen it rise to the status of living legend. This is a festival that welcomes to the stage all genres, all nationalities, all works and all talents, serving as a prestigious platform that continues to give its participants wings well after Cannes’ Croisette falls silent.
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I have been attending the Festival for so long now that I have experienced the power of this visibility, the strength of this springboard, and the attachment to this exceptional institution first-hand, as it continues to be guided by openness, sharing and innovation. I have seen film-makers take flight here for the very first time, coming into their own and asserting themselves – sometimes to radical effect, always to creative result.
Recent changes to the film industry have deepened my desire to roll up my sleeves and pour heart and soul into supporting the cause. The glitz and glamour of the Festival as portrayed by the media might lead one to believe that the event requires no financial support: this couldn’t be further from the truth. Public funds are in short supply in culture, and as the Festival does not intend to compromise on its commitment to uncovering and promoting fresh talent and a love of film – and particularly not during these testing times – all forms of support are more welcome than ever.
And so the fondation Les Amis du Festival was born.
I urge you to sign up for membership, and in doing so lend your support to keeping culture, creativity, and contemporary art alive through a vessel charged with history, yet resolutely forward-looking.
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Grégoire Chertok
Chairman of the fondation and the association Les Amis du Festival
