These three major film fests, Sundance, Telluride, Cannes, all take place in small, charming, and typically quiet towns, and I think that’s what makes them all so special. Maybe it has to do with the idea of getting away from Hollywood and the hustle-bustle of major metropolitan areas for a few weeks and relaxing by the snow, mountains, or ocean, and discovering/enjoying great films. (Yours truly only other sub-major film fest has been to the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan.) I’m sure there’s actually a real reason for these different locations being chosen and it may come from the early history of these premium fests, but I’m still mesmerized by the distances one must travel to get to the place where one has to watch films in theaters that are really not too different than the other thousands of movie theaters available.
Cannes Cab – Costs about $50 Euros
I’m not really sure what to make of this thought yet, as it’s just something that’s been on my mind, but it’s going to stick with me this year as I judge whether the journey is worth it. I’m one of those technophiles who must be connected to the world wide web via my iPhone and laptop, I do love venturing out to these towns. Maybe it has something to do with the idea of being in such a different and remote location and still being surrounded by all things cinema.
There’s also the possibility that it may spawn from the glamorous lifestyles of the rich and famous (actors, executives, producers alike) who love coming to these remote locations as well (for vacation and publicity). Although, ironically the festivals have become a haven for paparazzi, celebrity “whores”, “starfuckers” (another celebrity monger), and droves of people who just want to gaze at stars and that’s it. They don’t care about the films and it becomes quite sad to see; I’m not complaining about something that doesn’t truly affect me.
If anything, maybe I can inspire a few more cinephiles to take it upon themselves to one day take a journey to one of these premium festivals. It’s grueling, exhausting, and downright expensive, but it’s worth it, there’s absolutely no question about that, right? It brings a smile to my face to think about the distance traveled needed to come to be immersed in a world that is separated from Hollywood. Perhaps attending Cannes de Festival is for pure indulgence, exposure, self rightuousness, ego enhancement, or for the business of showbusiness, right?
Well enough of what I think, let’s take some paparazzi pictures. I wonder who I can stumble upon?
