A significant power failure occurred in Cannes, France, impacting the ongoing film festival as 160,000 homes were left without electricity, though organizers ensured that major events would continue unaffected.
Power Outage Disrupts Cannes Film Festival, But Events Continue
Power Outage Disrupts Cannes Film Festival, But Events Continue
Power outage affects thousands in Cannes area during prestigious festival; organizers confirm backup systems are in place.
A power outage struck the Cannes region on Saturday morning, affecting the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. French authorities reported that the outage began around 10 a.m. and left approximately 160,000 residences in the dark. RTE, the national electrical grid operator, confirmed that repair crews were promptly deployed to restore electricity across the affected areas.
Despite the disruption, festival officials declared that they had swiftly activated backup power systems, allowing all planned events and screenings—including the closing ceremony that evening—to proceed uninterrupted. However, reports indicated that some screenings at a local theater had to be "temporarily suspended" due to the outage.
As the prestigious festival culminates with the awarding of the Palme d’Or and other honors on Saturday night, local traffic conditions were impacted as well, with numerous traffic lights out of service. Authorities in the Alpes-Maritimes region, encompassing Cannes, advised residents to exercise caution while traveling during the outage.
While the cause of the power outage remains unclear, the festival's ability to adapt to the situation highlights its resilience and operational readiness in the face of unexpected challenges. As Cannes continues to be a focal point of the film world, all eyes will be on the evening’s awards ceremony, which is set to deliver high-profile accolades amidst the ongoing celebration of cinema.
Despite the disruption, festival officials declared that they had swiftly activated backup power systems, allowing all planned events and screenings—including the closing ceremony that evening—to proceed uninterrupted. However, reports indicated that some screenings at a local theater had to be "temporarily suspended" due to the outage.
As the prestigious festival culminates with the awarding of the Palme d’Or and other honors on Saturday night, local traffic conditions were impacted as well, with numerous traffic lights out of service. Authorities in the Alpes-Maritimes region, encompassing Cannes, advised residents to exercise caution while traveling during the outage.
While the cause of the power outage remains unclear, the festival's ability to adapt to the situation highlights its resilience and operational readiness in the face of unexpected challenges. As Cannes continues to be a focal point of the film world, all eyes will be on the evening’s awards ceremony, which is set to deliver high-profile accolades amidst the ongoing celebration of cinema.
