Coronavirus: Cannes won't hold physical edition, will screen its films at other fall festivals

The Cannes Film Festival, which had hoped to hold its 73rd edition possibly this June, has now decided against holding a physical edition this year as the French government has banned large gatherings until mid-July. The festival was originally due to be held from 12 to 23 May. However, Cannes will show some films that were selected for this year's edition at different fall festivals later this year.

According to a report in Variety.com, a festival spokesperson said, "As of today, a physical edition seems complicated to organize, so we are going forward with an announcement of films from the (initial Official) Selection at the beginning of June."

In an interview with Screen Daily, festival director Thierry Fremaux said he would announce a partial list of films that were selected, those that are scheduled to be released in theatres from now until next spring. They will be labeled ‘Cannes 2020’ before they are screened and released. A few of the selections for this year have deferred their releases and instead will be considered for the 74th edition. The selection process for 2021 will begin this fall.  

These films labeled 'Cannes 2020' will be shown at the fall festivals of Venice, Toronto, Deauville, Angoulême, San Sebastian, New York, and Busan, as well the Lumiere festival in Lyon where Fremaux is managing director.

The Marché du Film, the festival's worldwide film market, will be held virtually from 22 to 26 June.