Date: May 13 to 24 2025
Location: Palais des festivals et des congrès de Cannes, 1 Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes
Robert De Niro received a Palme d’Or d’honneur
Robert De Niro is making waves at the 78th Festival de Cannes!
The legendary actor received a Palme d’Or d’honneur during the opening ceremony, celebrating his incredible career spanning over 100 films.
The award was presented by Leonardo DiCaprio, with whom De Niro has collaborated multiple times, including in Killers of the Flower Moon.
During his speech, De Niro took the opportunity to criticize Donald Trump, emphasizing the importance of defending democracy and the role of art in fostering inclusivity.
He also participated in a masterclass at the festival, where he reflected on his career and his artistic inspirations.
Beyond the official events, De Niro has been spotted enjoying the local scene, dining at the famous Michelangelo restaurant in Antibes alongside Quentin Tarantino and DiCaprio.
He even brought his two-year-old daughter, Gia, to the red carpet, making for a heartwarming moment.
The jury president of the 78th Cannes is represented by Juliette Binoche
Juliette Binoche is the jury president of the 78th Cannes Film Festival.
She is joined by a prestigious jury, including Halle Berry, Payal Kapadia, Alba Rohrwacher, Leïla Slimani, Dieudo Hamadi, Hong Sang-soo, Carlos Reygadas, and Jeremy Strong.
As for the competition, here’s a look at some of the frontrunners:
SIRAT
Sirât – A mystical road trip by Óliver Laxe, following a father searching for his missing daughter at a rave in Morocco.
Sound of Falling
Sound of Falling—A German drama by Mascha Schilinski, exploring womanhood across generations.
L’AGENT SECRET
The Secret Agent – A Brazilian political thriller by Kleber Mendonça Filho, set in 1970s Recife.
A Simple Accident
A Simple Accident – An Iranian film by Jafar Panahi, questioning revenge and justice under an authoritarian regime.
Nouvelle Vague
Nouvelle Vague – A comedy by Richard Linklater, chronicling the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s legendary Breathless.
Official Selection – Out of Competion – Cannes Festival 78th Edition
Exit 8: From Psychological Horror Game to Cannes Film Premiere
Exit 8 is a psychological horror game renowned for its eerie atmosphere and unsettling gameplay.
Players find themselves trapped in an endless underground passageway, forced to carefully observe their surroundings in search of « The Exit 8. »
The game draws inspiration from Japanese underground passageways, liminal spaces, and the unnerving concept of backrooms—creating an experience that is both disorienting and terrifying.
The Film Adaptation at Cannes 2025
In an exciting development, Exit 8 was adapted into a feature film and premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival during a midnight screening.
Directed by Genki Kawamura, the movie retains the chilling essence of the game while deepening its themes of isolation and psychological tension.
The film follows a man trapped in a subway corridor, desperately searching for Exit 8.
His only hope lies in identifying anomalies—if he spots one, he must turn back; if none appear, he must continue forward.
This unique mechanic translates the game’s unsettling challenge into a gripping cinematic experience.
Gameplay: A Test of Perception
The game itself delivers a short yet intense experience, relying on visual perception and psychological unease.
Players must recognize subtle differences in their surroundings to progress, with anomalies ranging from the blatantly terrifying—ghostly figures appearing in the corridor—to the disturbingly subtle, such as minor lighting shifts or misplaced objects. The ultimate challenge is identifying these changes eight times in a row to escape.
With its minimalist yet deeply immersive design, Exit 8 continues to captivate players and now, through its film adaptation, horror enthusiasts as well.
Genki Kawamura is a Japanese filmmaker, producer, & writer
Born on March 12, 1979, in Yokohama, Japan. He has played a significant role in Japanese cinema, producing acclaimed films such as Your Name, Weathering With You, and Suzume. Kawamura has also directed films, including N’oublie pas les fleurs (2022) and Exit 8 (2025), which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
Beyond filmmaking, he is an accomplished novelist and screenwriter, with works like If Cats Disappeared from the World gaining international recognition. His career spans live-action and animated films, making him one of Japan’s most influential contemporary storytellers.
Lakshan Abenayake is supporting for the film industry by attending the 78th Cannes Film Festival
Lakshan Abenayake is showing his support for the film industry by attending the 78th Cannes Film Festival.
His presence highlights his ongoing engagement with global cinema and the recognition of Sri Lankan filmmaking on an international scale.
Lakshan Abenayake made a notable appearance at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where his latest film was showcased. While there isn’t extensive coverage on his participation this year, he previously gained recognition at Cannes for his Sri Lankan film « Rudy », which was titled Mysteries of Love in French.
Abenayake has been involved in various projects, including producing and acting in films like Doosra.
His presence at Cannes highlights the growing global reach of Sri Lankan cinema, as his work continues to gain international attention.
Main Sponsors of Cannes Festival
Film Candidate Selection 2025:
AEFW – The M PRODUCTION COMPANY PRESENTS:
Film Candidate Selection 2025 – My Day
Producer: Dr Mia Jan MALEKZADEH
Co-Producer: Rex FERNANDO
Director: Luqman QA SEMI
Film Candidate Selection 2025 – My Day
L’OFFICIEL INDIA
MAURICE MONTLOUIS Conciergerie Premium
Maurice Montlouis is known for his Conciergerie Premium services, catering to high-profile clients, including celebrities and business leaders.
His company, Privillege Mission, specializes in luxury concierge services, offering exclusive experiences across Cannes, Monte Carlo, Paris, and beyond.
Montlouis has built a reputation for providing personalized, high-end services, ensuring discretion and excellence for his clientele. His presence at events like the Cannes Film Festival further solidifies his influence in the luxury industry.
Media Partners:
AI FASHION MAG
AI FRIENDLY
DN-A INTERNATIONAL
Venue:
