Cannes 2017: Jury Press Conference

The 70th edition of the festival kicks off tonight with Ismael's Ghosts by Arnaud Desplechin starring Mathieu Amalric and Marion Cotillard. 

Earlier today the International Jury priseided by Pedro Almodovar gave their press conference in advance of watching all films in competition and awarding the prestigious Palme D' Or on May 28th. 

Along with Pedro Almodovar, co-jurors Jessica Chastain (actress), Maren Ade (director), Fan Bingbing (actress, producer), Agnes Jaoui (actress), Park Chan-Wook (director), Will Smith (actor, producer, singer), Paolo Sorrentino (Director) and Gabriel Yared (Music Composer) the jurt arrived at the Palais and spoke about the excitement of seeing all the films in this year's selection but also referred to one of the hottest topics of this year's festival - Netflix. 

As two films in this year's selection are produced by the online platform giant, the festival had to reopen the books and change its policy regarding selected films, taht being from next year on films will have to secure French distribution as part of the deal. 

Pedro Almodovar, when asked about the topic, stood on the side of French art house cinemas and that it is alwasy better to "watch films on the big screen". On the other hand, his co-juror Will Smith, seem to be swimming against the current by openly supporting Netflix, being the platform that gave his children the opportunty to get into acting and work in new projects. 

From the sound of it, the 70th edition of the festival and the awards next week could be more surprising that expected. 

The film festivals team is here to give you all festival and market news, so stay tuned. 

by Martin I. Petrov (text and photos) 

First photo by: François Silvestre de Sacy /FDC