Cannes Film Festival

Each year, the city of Cannes becomes a hub for the film industry. Filmmakers, actors, and
critics gather here to celebrate the art of cinema. The Cannes Film Festival is renowned for its
exclusivity and prestige. It was first held in 1946 and has grown to be one of the world's most
famous film festivals. During the festival, the Promenade de la Croisette buzzes with activity as
stars walk the red carpet.

For twelve days in May, the festival showcases films of all genres. The films are divided into
different categories, such as feature films and documentaries. A selection committee chooses
the films that will be shown. They look for excellence and innovation to represent the best in the
industry. The most anticipated event is the awarding of the Palme d'Or. This award is given to
the director of the best feature film of the competition. Winning the Palme d'Or can bring a
filmmaker global recognition.

But the festival is not just about the glitz and glam. It also focuses on issues within the industry.
Panels and workshops run alongside the screenings. They address topics like diversity and the
role of women in film. These discussions can influence the future of filmmaking. The festival also
includes a market where deals are made. Producers, distributors, and financiers come together
to buy and sell films. This market is crucial for the business side of cinema.

To attend the festival, one must be invited or have professional reasons to be there. The public
can enjoy some screenings, but many events are closed to them. The festival's strict access
adds to its allure among cinephiles. Film lovers from around the world dream of walking up the
famous steps. Indeed, the festival is as much about the movies as it is about the experience. It
remains a week where legends are made, and film history is written.

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CEFR Level Card
General Level: B2.1
Vocabulary: B2.8
Verb Form: A2.9
Clause: B1.0

Wordlist

allure NOUN C2 1

Definition (En):
n. the power to entice or attract through personal charm

anticipated ADJ +∞ 1

Definition (En):
s. expected hopefully

buzz VERB C2 1

Definition (En):
n. sound of rapid vibration
n. a confusion of activity and gossip
v. make a buzzing sound
v. fly low

excellence NOUN C1 1

Definition (En):
n. the quality of excelling; possessing good qualities in high degree
n. an outstanding feature; something in which something or someone excels

filmmaker NOUN +∞ 2

Definition (En):
n a producer of motion pictures

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financier NOUN C2 1

Definition (En):
n. a person skilled in large scale financial transactions
v. conduct financial operations, often in an unethical manner

glitz NOUN C2 1

Definition (En):
n tasteless showiness

hub NOUN C1 1

Definition (En):
n. the central part of a car wheel (or fan or propeller etc) through which the shaft or axle passes
n. a center of activity or interest or commerce or transportation; a focal point around which events
revolve

prestige NOUN C1 1

Definition (En):
n. a high standing achieved through success or influence or wealth etc.

Phrases and Idioms

Lemma Sentences

• The festival's strict access adds to its allure among

add to (something)
cinephiles.

• Indeed, the festival is as much about the movies as it is

as it is
about the experience.

• During the festival, the Promenade de la Croisette buzzes

buzz with (something)
with activity as stars walk the red carpet.

• Producers, distributors, and financiers come together to

come together
buy and sell films.

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 Lemma Sentences

dream of (someone or • Film lovers from around the world dream of walking up the
something) famous steps.

focus on (someone or
• It also focuses on issues within the industry.
something)

• It was first held in 1946 and has grown to be one of the

hold something in
world's most famous film festivals.

just about • But the festival is not just about the glitz and glam.

• They look for excellence and innovation to represent the

look for (someone or something)
best in the industry.

represent (someone or • They look for excellence and innovation to represent the
something) in (something) best in the industry.

• The films are divided into different categories, such as

such as
feature films and documentaries.

• During the festival, the Promenade de la Croisette buzzes

the red carpet
with activity as stars walk the red carpet.

• Film lovers from around the world dream of walking up the

walk up
famous steps.

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 Reading Comprehension Exercises
True / False / Not Given

1. The city of Cannes is transformed into a central location for the movie industry yearly.

2. The Cannes Film Festival started in the late 1900s.

3. Only feature films are judged and awarded at the Cannes Film Festival.

4. A group of experts picks movies to display at the festival based on their originality and quality.

5. Winning the Palme d'Or ensures that a filmmaker will attain widespread fame.

6. The festival also functions as a platform to discuss problems and changes needed in the
movie industry.

7. Every movie shown at the festival is available for sale in the market section.

8. Being a movie enthusiast is sufficient reason to be granted access to all Cannes festival
events.

9. The Cannes Film Festival is just as famous for its events as for the films that are shown.

10. The Cannes Film Festival occurs over a period of nearly two weeks.

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Multiple Choice

1) Why is the Cannes Film Festival considered exclusive and prestigious?

a) Because it allows everyone to attend.
b) Because it features films from a single genre.
c) Because it is held every week.
d) Because it has a long history and is known globally.

2) Which event do filmmakers most look forward to at the Cannes Film Festival?
a) The opening of the market.
b) The awarding of the Palme d'Or.
c) The public screenings.
d) The announcement of the selection committee.

3) What is the role of the selection committee at the Cannes Film Festival?
a) To schedule the screenings during the festival.
b) To give out the awards to winners.
c) To choose the films that will be shown.
d) To organize the gala events on the red carpet.

4) Why is winning the Palme d'Or significant for a filmmaker?

a) It assures financial success of the film.
b) It guarantees a role in future films.
c) It brings global recognition to the filmmaker.
d) It grants access to exclusive industry events.

5) Apart from showcasing films, what other function does the Cannes Film Festival serve?
a) It is a platform for international politics.
b) It provides a marketplace for film deals.
c) It hosts sporting events.
d) It offers holiday packages to tourists.

6) What types of discussions take place at the Cannes Film Festival alongside screenings?
a) Conversations about the best hotels in Cannes.
b) Discussions on issues like diversity and women in film.
c) Debates on culinary arts.
d) Dialogues regarding the best fashion on the red carpet.

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7) How do the discussions at the Cannes Film Festival potentially impact the film industry?
a) They settle financial disputes between companies.
b) They influence the future of filmmaking.
c) They determine which films will be selected for the next year.
d) They change the location of the festival.

8) What makes the Cannes Film Festival alluring to film lovers globally?
a) The chance to win cash prizes.
b) The opportunity to purchase film memorabilia.
c) The dream of walking up the famous steps.
d) The availability of public events all year round.

9) Who primarily attends the Cannes Film Festival?

a) Anyone who can purchase a ticket.
b) Only film actors and directors.
c) Individuals with invitations or professional reasons.
d) Local residents of Cannes.

10) How does the festival impact the legacy of films and filmmakers?
a) It confirms their retirement plans.
b) It diminishes their public image.
c) It reduces their chances of collaboration.
d) It is a week where legends are made and film history is written.

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Short Answer

1. What makes the Cannes Film Festival stand out in the film industry?

2. When was the first Cannes Film Festival held?

3. What is the significance of winning the Palme d'Or?

4. What criteria does the selection committee use to choose films for the festival?

5. What types of discussions take place during the festival?

6. Who can attend the festival?

7. What aspect of the Cannes Film Festival contributes to its appeal among film enthusiasts?

8. What role does the market at the festival play for cinema?

9. What is the primary focus of the Cannes Film Festival besides the celebration of films?

10. What is the duration of the Cannes Film Festival?

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