It’s a Regret that Cannes is All About Fashion Now: Rahul Bhat
The Cannes Film Festival, one of the most prestigious international film festivals, has been a global platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and receive recognition. However, over the years, the festival has undergone a significant transformation, and it’s no longer just about the art of filmmaking. Actor Rahul Bhat, who has had the privilege of premiering two of his films at the festival, recently expressed his regret over the shift in focus from films to fashion.
In an interview, Rahul Bhat lamented the fact that the Cannes Film Festival has become more about glamour and fashion than about honoring the art of filmmaking. He said, “People go to Cannes to take pictures on the red carpet, and I have to differentiate my red carpet walks because it was real, not for fashion.”
Rahul’s comments have sparked a heated debate online, with many agreeing with his sentiments and others defending the festival’s evolution. While the Cannes Film Festival was initially established to celebrate cinema, it has indeed become a platform where celebrities and fashion enthusiasts converge to showcase their style and glamour.
The transformation of the festival can be attributed to the rise of social media, which has created a culture of instant gratification and celebrity worship. The red carpet has become a focal point of the festival, with attendees and celebrities alike vying for attention and likes on social media. This has led to a shift in focus from the films themselves to the fashion and glamour surrounding the event.
However, Rahul Bhat’s comments also highlight the importance of preserving the essence of the festival. The Cannes Film Festival was established to promote and celebrate the art of filmmaking, and it’s essential that it remains a platform where filmmakers can showcase their work and receive recognition.
In recent years, the festival has taken steps to address the issue of fashion overtaking the focus. The introduction of the “Cannes Classics” section, which showcases restored and re-released films, has helped to refocus attention on the films themselves. Additionally, the festival has also introduced new sections such as “Short Films” and “Cannes Next,” which provide a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work.
Despite these efforts, the fashion and glamour surrounding the festival remain an integral part of the event. The red carpet has become a symbol of the festival, and it’s hard to imagine the event without it. However, it’s essential that the focus remains on the films, and the festival doesn’t lose sight of its original purpose.
Rahul Bhat’s comments also highlight the importance of authenticity in the film industry. As an actor, he has had the privilege of premiering two of his films at the festival, and he understands the value of the platform. He believes that the red carpet walks are meant to be real, not staged for the sake of fashion. This sentiment is echoed by many filmmakers and industry professionals who believe that the focus should be on the art of filmmaking rather than the glamour surrounding it.
In conclusion, Rahul Bhat’s regret over the Cannes Film Festival’s shift in focus from films to fashion is a valid concern. While the festival has become a platform for fashion and glamour, it’s essential that it remains a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and receive recognition. The introduction of new sections and efforts to refocus attention on the films themselves are steps in the right direction. However, it’s up to the festival organizers and attendees to ensure that the focus remains on the art of filmmaking, and not just on the glamour surrounding it.
