The Cannes Festival (/kæn/; French: Festival de Cannes), until 2003 called the International Film Festival (Festival international du film) and known in English as the Cannes Film Festival, is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films of all genres, including documentaries from all around the world. Founded in 1946, the invitation-only festival is held annually (usually in May) at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.[1]
On 1 July 2014, co-founder and former head of French pay-TV operator Canal+, Pierre Lescure, took over as President of the Festival, while Thierry Frémaux became the General Delegate. The board of directors also appointed Gilles Jacob as Honorary President of the Festival.[2][3]
Is one of the "Big Three" film festivals, alongside the Venice Film Festival and Berlin International Film Festival.[4][5] The Big Three are internationally acclaimed for giving creators the artistic freedom to express themselves through film.[6] In 1951, FIAPF formally accredited the festival.[7]