Cannes 2025: Highlights and Indian Cinema Representation

The 78th Cannes Film Festival, taking place from May 13 to 24, 2025, continues to be a beacon of global cinema, celebrating artistic excellence and cultural discourse. This year's edition is marked by significant Indian representation, a diverse jury, and a lineup of films that reflect the evolving landscape of international filmmaking.

Indian Representation at Cannes 2025

India's presence at Cannes 2025 is both prominent and historic.

• Payal Kapadia, renowned for her Grand Prix-winning film All We Imagine as Light, has returned to Cannes as a jury member. Her inclusion underscores India's growing influence in global cinema.

• The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute contributes to the festival with the student film A Doll Made Up of Clay, featured in the Cinéfondation section, highlighting emerging Indian talent.

• In the Cannes Classics section, Satyajit Ray’s restored masterpiece Days and Nights in the Forest is being showcased, reaffirming India's rich cinematic heritage.

Official Selection and Film Sections

Cannes 2025 presents a diverse array of films across its various sections:

Main Competition

The Palme d'Or competition features 19 films from acclaimed directors, including:

• Alpha by Julia Ducournau

• Die My Love, Lynne Ramsay

• Eddington by Ari Aster

• The Phoenician Scheme by Wes Anderson

• It Was Just an Accident by Jafar Panahi

• The Young Mother's Home by the Dardenne brothers

These selections reflect a blend of innovative storytelling and cinematic mastery.

Un Certain Regard

This section continues to spotlight unique narratives and emerging voices, with films that challenge conventional storytelling and offer fresh perspectives.

Directors' Fortnight

The Directors' Fortnight showcases Enzo, the final film by the late Laurent Cantet, completed by Robin Campillo, exploring themes of youth and desire.

Cinéfondation

Dedicated to student films, this section includes A Doll Made Up of Clay from India's Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, emphasizing the country's emerging talent.

Cannes Classics

Celebrating restored masterpieces, this section features Satyajit Ray’s Days and Nights in the Forest, reaffirming India's cinematic heritage.

The Jury

The main competition jury at Cannes 2025 is led by Juliette Binoche and includes a diverse group of international artists:

• Juliette Binoche (France) – Jury President

• Halle Berry (USA)

• Jeremy Strong (USA)

• Payal Kapadia (India)

• Leïla Slimani (France-Morocco)

• Dieudo Hamadi (Democratic Republic of Congo)

• Hong Sang-soo (South Korea)

• Carlos Reygadas (Mexico)

• Alba Rohrwacher (Italy)

This diverse jury composition reflects Cannes' commitment to inclusive and global perspectives in film evaluation.

Red Carpet Highlights

The red carpet at Cannes 2025 has been a showcase of glamour and style:

• Tom Cruise made a surprise appearance, leading the promotional campaign for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the eighth and anticipated final installment of the franchise.

• Andie MacDowell turned heads by donning a classic black tuxedo with a bow tie at the premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, embracing her "silver fox" image.

• Halle Berry led the fashion scene with a striking black and white ensemble, showcasing style and sophistication.

Cultural and Political Discourse

Cannes 2025 has not shied away from addressing pressing issues:

• Robert De Niro received the honorary Palme d'Or and delivered a passionate speech defending the role of art and criticizing President Donald Trump. He condemned Trump as a "philistine president" for his cultural policies, including imposing a 100% tariff on international films.

• The festival's opening was marked by political statements and tributes, highlighting the event's engagement with global issues.

As Cannes 2025 continues, it stands as a testament to the power of cinema to reflect diverse cultures, address societal issues, and bring together global talents.