The Cannes Film Festival is not just about the movies shown on the big screens inside darkened auditoriums—it is also about the drama that unfolds outside on the streets. Over the past three decades, protests and strikes have become a common sight during the 12-day event on the stunning shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
One memorable incident involved a strike by railwaymen and baggage handlers at Nice Airport, causing inconvenience to guests who had to drag their luggage a considerable distance due to the work stoppage. This year, Festival workers are calling for a strike over pay packets and new labor regulations, which has sparked concern among French unions.
The Festival issued an official statement expressing hope that solutions would be found to prevent workers from disrupting the event, known as the “Queen of All.” A group known as “Sous les écrans la dèche” (Broke Behind the Screens) has called for a strike, citing dissatisfaction with the precarious position of the Festival’s freelance employees.
These workers are hired only for the duration of the Festival and do not receive unemployment benefits between assignments, unlike temporary workers in the French entertainment industry. Additionally, a new French labor law set to take effect on July 1 will make it even more challenging for them to qualify for benefits.
The Festival acknowledged the difficulties faced by some staff members and expressed readiness for a dialogue to find a collective solution. Another group, “Collectif des précaires des festivals de cinéma,” which represents nearly 200 Cannes Film Festival workers, is planning to strike next week to demand changes in the unemployment law and higher overtime pay.
As the Cannes Film Festival gears up for its opening on May 14, these labor disputes add another layer of drama to the prestigious event. With the Festival concluding on May 25, the outcome of these protests will undoubtedly influence the overall atmosphere of the renowned cinematic celebration.
