The Organisers of the Cannes Film Festival have announced that the 2020 edition of the festival may be cancelled due to the extension of the lockdown put in place by the French President, Emanuel Macron, to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
This was contained in press release issued by the organisers on Tuesday.
It reads, “Following the French President’s statement, on Monday, April 13th, we acknowledged that the postponement of the 73rd International Cannes Film Festival, initially considered for the end of June to the beginning of July, is no longer an option.”
The organisers however made it clear that even though the 2020 edition of the festival may not take place in its traditional form, they are exploring other ways to bring the event to life due to its importance to the movie industry.
“It is clearly difficult to assume that the Festival de Cannes could be held this year in its original form. Nevertheless, since yesterday evening we have started many discussions with professionals, in France and abroad. They agree that the Festival de Cannes, an essential pillar for the film industry, must explore all contingencies allowing to support the year of Cinema by making Cannes 2020 real, in a way or another.”
The Cannes Film Festival has only been cancelled once in its 73-year history.
It was not held in 1968 due to the nationwide students riots in France.
