A power outage affected around 160,000 homes in Cannes, causing temporary disruptions at the film festival, yet organizers quickly activated backup systems to ensure continuous events.
Power Outage Disrupts Cannes Film Festival Activities

Power Outage Disrupts Cannes Film Festival Activities
Massive outage leaves thousands without electricity, but festival organizers mitigate impact.
A significant power outage struck the Cannes region in southeastern France on Saturday, affecting thousands and briefly interrupting the ongoing film festival. According to French authorities, the outage began around 10 a.m. and impacted approximately 160,000 residences in Cannes and nearby areas. RTE, France’s electricity grid operator, reported the incident via social media, stating that teams were on site to restore power promptly.
Despite the challenges posed by the outage, festival organizers quickly activated an independent power supply. They assured attendees that all scheduled events, including the much-anticipated closing ceremony, would continue without interruption. There were reports of a temporary suspension of screenings at one location, but overall operations remained largely unaffected.
The Palme d’Or, the festival’s highest honor, along with other awards, is set to be announced later this evening. Meanwhile, local news outlets highlighted the impact of the outage on everyday life, noting non-functioning traffic lights in several neighborhoods and urging residents to be cautious during their travels.
As preparations for the awards ceremony unfold, the resilience of the film industry in the face of unexpected setbacks remains on full display.