Journalist/filmmaker (US)
Kathleen McInnis

The Cannes Film Festival is the unattainable Holy Grail to most American indie filmmakers while, at the same time, the brass ring they all strive for; the yardstick they all measure by, even the Olympics of filmmaking as some have said...although no one is under the illusion that Cannes is independent.

That Cannes is a big party, no one denies. What the parties mean, however, is up for discussion. Some filmmakers feel the whole festival is a big party reserved only for the hottest talent and most powerful people in Hollywood...Indies need not apply. Others are convinced the parties are the only place to make a deal. Oft-repeated Cannes lore insists that while the screenings may be important to generate buzz, the real action is to be found at the parties and by taking meetings at the bar/pool at the Majestic or on the terrace at the Carlton.

The devotee film enthusiasts assume all Cannes films will get bought for distribution: most presume that the ink is dry before the films even screen. Industry acquisition VP's consider Cannes a huge team effort just to track and then watch all the films marked for the festival. Every festival director gives a Cannes film top consideration. No talent of any level can ever refuse an invitation to attend the Cannes Film Festival. And even those who say Cannes is losing its luster; that the festival is only about celebrities and hype rather than films, and that it's just an older, international version of Sundance, also say this...

"It's the one festival we'd all like to be a part of, but probably won't be."