The opening ceremony of the 78th Cannes Film Festival has taken place in France. On the first day, actor Robert De Niro was awarded the Palme d’Or for his contribution to the development of the film industry. The honorary Palme d’Or complemented his Oscar and awards at the Venice and Berlin Film Festivals.
In addition, on the opening day, three films related to Ukraine were screened “tell the story of the conflict in the heart of Europe, which has been affecting the Ukrainian people and the world for three years now.” These are documentaries: Zelensky, Our War, and 2000 meters to Andriivka.
The war in the Gaza Strip will also receive attention. The documentary Put Your Soul in Your Hand and Walk will tell the story of Palestinian photojournalist Fatima Hassoun, who was killed by an Israeli bombing in mid-April.
In addition, the film festival’s opening brought together nearly 380 filmmakers and actors from all over the world.
The 78th Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 13 to 24. Twenty-two films selected from 2,909 films from 156 countries will compete for the Palme d’Or.