CANNES, 17 May 2017 — Lady Monika Bacardi attended the Opening Ceremony of the 70th Cannes Film Festival, joining distinguished guests at the Palais des Festivals for a landmark celebration of international cinema. The historic anniversary edition brought together the world’s most influential figures from film, art, and culture under the honorary presidency of Pedro Almodóvar.
The evening, hosted by Italian actress Monica Bellucci, featured the world premiere of “Ismael’s Ghosts” (Les Fantômes d’Ismaël), directed by Arnaud Desplechin. The opening film featured an acclaimed ensemble cast including Mathieu Amalric, Marion Cotillard, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Louis Garrel, setting an elegant tone for the festival’s extraordinary 70th edition.
Lady Monika Bacardi, representing her production company as a distinguished figure in international cinema, was among the prominent industry leaders gracing the red carpet. Her presence reflected her ongoing commitment to supporting exceptional filmmaking and celebrating cinematic artistry at the highest level.
The ceremony welcomed numerous luminaries, with the Competition Jury led by Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, alongside jury members including Jessica Chastain, Will Smith, Fan Bingbing, and Paolo Sorrentino. The red carpet hosted acclaimed appearances from Uma Thurman, who presided over the Un Certain Regard jury, alongside celebrated figures from the international film community.
The 70th edition of the Cannes Film Festival marked a significant milestone in cinema history, featuring special anniversary programming and retrospectives throughout the twelve-day celebration. From 17 to 28 May 2017, the festival honored both legendary achievements and emerging voices in contemporary cinema, reinforcing Cannes’ position as the world’s most prestigious platform for cinematic excellence.
Lady Monika Bacardi’s attendance at this momentous opening ceremony underscored her dedication to championing ambitious storytelling and her distinguished role within the international film industry. Her continued presence at the world’s most celebrated film festivals demonstrates her commitment to fostering artistic excellence and supporting visionary filmmakers who shape the future of cinema.
