Masked onlookers at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.Photo: VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty
The 2021Cannes Film Festivalwas a major in-person success despite the ongoingCOVID-19pandemic.
Varietyreports that the event in France spent more than $1 million to test some 28,000 people in attendance, without any cost to the attendees.
Anyone from the European Union who showed proof of vaccination was able to opt out of testing, according to the outlet.
“It was a wonderful festivaland an exceptional one as well,” Cannes Artistic Director Thierry Frémaux toldVarietyafter the 11-day celebration of film wrapped on July 17.
“We managed to pull it through at the right time and in conditions that were almost normal thanks to a protocol that was intelligent and responsible,” Frémaux added.
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Poster for the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.Olivier Anrigo/Getty
Notably absent from Cannes this year was actressLéa Seydoux, who tested positive for the virus recently and issued a statement last week announcing she would be skipping the festival. She had four films screening at the event.
“I wish I could celebrate the return of cinema to my favorite festival, but it is in everyone’s best interest to err on the side of caution and do my part to keep everyone safe and healthy,” added Seydoux, who stars in multiple films that were spotlighted at Cannes includingWes Anderson’s latest project,The French Dispatch.
She concluded, “I applaud all four of my directors and the cast ensembles for their remarkable achievements. From a distance and in thoughts, I am with you with all my heart.”
COVID-19 test.Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty
In March of last year, the festival’s official Twitter account announced that its 2020 edition wouldno longer take place due to the pandemic.
“Due to the health crisis and the development of the French and international situation, the Festival de Cannes will no longer be able to take place on the dates planned, from May 12 to 23,” Cannes' official accounttweeted at the time.
According toThe Hollywood Reporter, festival organizers were originally hoping to reschedule the annual film event for June 2020.
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source: people.com
