Cannes 2024 Unveils Opening Film! French Comedy 'La Venus Electrique' Set to Premiere

The period comedy 'La Venus Electrique', directed by Pierre Salvadori, has been selected to kick off the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival on May 12. This ambitious project marks Salvadori's 11th feature film and, following festival rules, will premiere simultaneously in cinemas across France.

Salvadori expressed his enthusiasm, stating that "Cannes celebrates everything I love about cinema: direction, boldness, freedom, and filmmakers. Cannes discovers them, supports them, and celebrates them." He added that his film embodies the faith and love he has for his craft.

Set in the Paris of the Roaring Twenties, 'La Venus Electrique' draws inspiration from sophisticated Hollywood comedy, characterized by its brisk pace, the confusion between truth and lies, and precision in writing and direction. The Cannes Film Festival describes Salvadori as a fervent admirer of directors such as Ernst Lubitsch, Billy Wilder, and Blake Edwards.

The production is by Philippe Martin at Les Films Pelléas, known for 'Anatomy of a Fall,' and international distribution is handled by Goodfellas.

The cast of 'La Venus Electrique' features prominent French actors such as Pio Marmaï ('The Divide'), Anaïs Demoustier ('The Count of Monte Cristo'), and Gilles Lellouche, who directed 'Beating Hearts'. Vimala Pons and Gustave Kervern complete the cast. The film is produced by Philippe Martin of Les Films Pelléas ('Anatomy of a Fall') and is represented internationally by Goodfellas.

The film 'La Venus Electrique' continues Cannes' tradition of opening with outstanding cinematic works, following in the footsteps of 'Leave One Day,' the debut film by Amélie Bonnin, which had the honor of opening the previous edition of the festival. This selection underscores Cannes' commitment to promoting new voices and celebrating cinema in all its forms.

The Cannes opening ceremony will be hosted by French actress Eye Haïdara on May 12 and will be broadcast live on France Télévisions and Brut. The festival will pay tribute to Barbra Streisand and Peter Jackson, who will each receive an honorary Palme d'Or. The jury will be presided over by South Korean director, screenwriter, and producer Park Chan-wook, who will succeed Juliette Binoche.

The full selection of films that will compete and be screened at the Cannes Film Festival, curated by Thierry Fremaux, will be unveiled on April 9 at a press conference. This announcement is highly anticipated by the international film community, as it marks the official start of the countdown to one of the most prestigious events in the world of cinema.