Cannes 2023: special security measures for this new edition

The 76th Cannes Film Festival kicks off this evening, with other important events expected, such as the presentation of Martin Scorsese’s new film starring Leonardo DiCaprio or the premiere of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Fortune. But festival-goers will also see increased security measures.

Indeed, since Prohibition of demonstrations and gatherings on public roads during the festival, the Alpes-Maritimes prefecture is taking new measures. If the terrorist threat remains the main concern of the police, social or environmental demands are also possible this year.

In a press release issued on April 23, CGT Energie promised “energy disruptions” during major cultural and sporting events in France, including the Cannes festival, threatening blackouts aimed at plunging festival-goers into already dark rooms in complete darkness and in front of switched-off screens.

The National Police announced that new arrangements have been made and drones will fly over the city during the festival.

In addition to these drones, armed agents will protect the main traffic axes and the municipality says Parisian that “Harrows, as well as anti-intrusion terminals will be located in the most sensitive areas, operated and controlled from the urban security center, which has 833 video surveillance cameras.”

As the opening ceremony of the 76th edition is being prepared, traffic has also been restricted in the city center from 16:00 for the duration of the event.

Among the announced actions and despite the established prohibitions, the CGT wants to organize a demonstration on Friday at 1:00 PM in the front square of the Carlton Hotel, the emblematic place of the festival, where many stars have come to present their films. They stay on the red carpet, in competition or not.

A tense climate, then!