The Cannes Film Festival Star Gazing Challenge

As movie stars arrive at the foot of the Cannes Film Festival red carpeted Stairs for a short stroll through the photographer’s flashes, a crowd of ordinary people gathers hoping to catch a glance at someone famous.

Day one of the 64th Cannes Film Festival. A large crowd of tourists watch the arrival of the stars during the evening's red carpet opening ceremony..Cannes, FRANCE - 11/05/2011 (William Alix)

Alas, the red carpet is hidden behind rows of accredited photographers. The only visible Stars are on the giant screen overlooking the Stairs. Hundreds of cell phones and compact cameras are pointed to it awaiting the appearance of that favorite comedian.

As movie stars arrive at the foot of the Cannes Film Festival red carpeted stairs for a short stroll through the photographer's flashes, a crowd of ordinary people gathers on the opposit sidewalk hoping to catch a glance at someone famous. Alas, the only visible stars are on the giant screen. .Cannes, FRANCE 14/05/2011 (William Alix)

On the sidewalk opposite the Stairs is a special group of dedicated fans. They arrive three days before the launch of the festival to secure their seats and step ladders in front of the red carpet, a prime spot to photograph the stars as they arrive. Most of them are assiduous amateurs who return every year to enrich their photo collection.

As movie stars arrive at the foot of the Cannes Film Festival red carpeted stairs for a short stroll through the photographer's flashes, a crowd of ordinary people gathers on the opposit sidewalk hoping to catch a glance at someone famous. Alas, the only visible stars are on the giant screen. .Cannes, FRANCE 16/05/2011 (William Alix)

This is a made-for-TV giant photocall, not a news event. Photographers and cameramen are required to sport a black tuxedo and assigned a numbered position according to their importance. The intended high-class of the show is ruined by loud low grade pop music and cheesy speaker commentaries.

All is bright and beautiful in front of the camera, it’s the magic of cinema. As with all magic the tricks are only visible behind the scene. Press photographers and editors do their post-production work in offices in the Palais des Festivals basement, beneath the red carpet. No large comfortable press room here. Press agencies spend a fortune to rent high-speed internet access and a windowless wooden prefab office, as small as 9m2. The picture editors spend 12-15 hours daily in this space for the festival’s duration.

The Sipa office in Cannes..Required to wear a tuxedo to cover the movie stars' climbing of the Cannes Film Festival red carpeted stairs, press photographers and editors do their post-production work in offices in the Palais des festivals basement. These are windowless wooden prefabs, can be as small as 9m2 and rented a fortune to agencies..Cannes, FRANCE - 21/05/2011 (William Alix)

Some people are in Cannes during the festival to actually try to see selected movies. Anonymous cinephiles stand at the entrance of the Palais des Festivals brandishing placards asking professionals coming in and out for spare invitations for the next film presentation. They are dressed-up to be allowed in should they be lucky enough to get one.

A common sight in front of the Palais des Festivals, people asking for invitations to attend a film screening..As movie stars arrive at the foot of the Cannes Film Festival red carpeted stairs for a short stroll through the photographer's flashes, a crowd of ordinary people gathers on the opposit sidewalk hoping to catch a glance at someone famous. Alas, the only visible stars are on the giant screen. .Cannes, FRANCE 16/05/2011 (William Alix)

The bottom-line is, if you’re in Cannes during the Festival, the only sure way to see movie stars is to walk around the bus stops near city hall:

As movie stars arrive at the foot of the Cannes Film Festival red carpeted stairs for a short stroll through the photographer's flashes, a crowd of ordinary people gathers on the opposit sidewalk hoping to catch a glance at someone famous. Alas, the only visible stars are on the giant screen. (William Alix)

The complete “Cannes Film Festival Star Gazing Challenge” photo series can be viewed here on my PhotoShelter archive.

Flattr this!