Organisers of the Festival de Cannes have confirmed that the festival will no longer hold on May 12 to 23 due to the coronavirus pandemic which has crippled much of Europe.
The decision to postpone, which is coming as France remains in lockdown in its battle against the global pandemic, follows weeks of speculation around the fate of this year’s edition.
The festival’s press conference, initially slated for April 16, has also been delayed. A new date for the press conference is expected to be disclosed when they announce the exact timings of the festival.
However, the option of a simple postponement till the end of June-beginning of July, 2020 is being considered, according to a press statement.
“At this time of global health crisis, our thoughts go to the victims of the Covid-19 and we express our solidarity with all of those who are fighting the disease.
“As soon as the development of the French and international health situation will allow us to assess the real possibility, we will make our decision known, in accordance with our ongoing consultation with the French Government and Cannes’ City Hall, as well as with the Festival’s board members, film industry professionals and all the partners of the event.
“In the meantime, the Festival de Cannes lends its vocal support to all of those who firmly call on everyone to respect the general lockdown, and ask to show solidarity in these difficult times for the entire world,” the festival said in a statement.
The Cannes’ Marché du Film will also be postponed to run alongside the festival.