Nowhere is cinema’s cross-border power more visible than at the Cannes Film Festival, which begins Tuesday under the shadow of U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on foreign films.
Often likened to the Olympics of cinema, Cannes brings together filmmakers, sales agents, and journalists from across the world. At its center is the coveted Palme d’Or, awarded to one of the 22 films in competition. While creators screen their work, dealmakers negotiate around the clock to secure global distribution rights.
“You’re unleashing a film into an arena,” says Brazilian director Kleber Mendonça Filho, who returns with The Secret Agent, a political thriller set during Brazil’s dictatorship. “It’s intense, like the anticipation before a roller coaster ride at the Palais.”
The spotlight is especially bright on this year’s edition, not only for its lineup of major premieres — including work from directors like Spike Lee, Wes Anderson, and Ari Aster — but also for the parade of A-list stars such as Jennifer Lawrence and Denzel Washington.
As the film industry grows increasingly global, Cannes has become an even more vital launchpad — even in Netflix’s continued absence. Recent festivals have yielded Oscar contenders, including this year’s Best Picture winner, Anora.
Politics frequently intersect with cinema at Cannes. This year’s roster features politically significant voices, including Iranian dissident Jafar Panahi, Ukrainian director Sergei Loznitsa, and Akinola Davies Jr., whose My Father’s Shadow is the first Nigerian film selected for the main lineup.
Diverse Paths to the Croisette
Three directors reflected on their journey to Cannes. South Africa’s Oliver Hermanus, in competition for The History of Sound, described it as a milestone for both him and his country. Japan’s Chie Hayakawa, premiering Renoir, her semi-autobiographical second feature, expressed deep appreciation for the motivation Cannes gives filmmakers.
“Cinema is inherently international,” Hayakawa said. “That’s the magic of Cannes.”
Tariffs Threaten the Global Stage
Trump’s announcement of potential 100% tariffs on foreign films has unsettled the global industry. Though the U.S. administration has yet to confirm the policy, the proposal underscores how fragile the international cultural landscape can be.
Filho, a Cannes veteran, remains skeptical. Recalling Brazil’s tumultuous political climate under Jair Bolsonaro, he views the tariffs as an unlikely threat: “Even for leaders like Trump and Bolsonaro, this just doesn’t add up.”
Cannes’ High Stakes
Born as a response to fascism and censorship in Europe, Cannes has long stood as a defender of cinematic freedom. It remains a career-defining platform. Some high-profile stars, including Kristen Stewart, Scarlett Johansson, and Harris Dickinson, will make their directorial debuts in the Un Certain Regard section this year.
Hermanus, reflecting on his return, called Cannes “a gladiator’s arena.”
“You go in with everything on the line,” he said. “We told ourselves — this is going to be intense. But that’s exactly why it matters.”