The Quentin Tarantino machine has rolled into Cannes in the form of his new film ‘Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood’ It’s the most highly anticipated film of the festival, and has it lived up to the hype? More on this later.
More importantly was the NGO New Generation In Action’s AFI World Peace Initiative, which holds Special Consultative Status to the United Nations (ECOSOC), annual Cannes event. The AFI (Artisan Festival International) event was its annual “World Peace & Tolerance Brunch” and was held at the American Pavilion. The group honored “films of purpose,” as well as esteemed individuals who have contributed to humanitarian and the arts arenas. “It is an honor to continue the tradition during the most prestigious film festival in the world to honor films of purpose and individuals who have achieved in the arts and contributed to help make our world a better place. We are also pleased to launch the Rob Stewart Conservationist Award, and Karl Bardosh Humanitarian Cell Phone Cinema Award” stated Founder HRH Princess Dame Angelique Monet. Attendees included filmmaker Mohy Quandor, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Film Literature & Arts, and Luba Balagova of the Sochi Film Festival.
The American Pavilion had a very busy Tuesday. During the day it hosted a student filmmaker showcase and then awards ceremony. At 5:30 pm there was a cocktail party for the film ‘Toss it’ directed by Michelle Remsem, but it was the evening shindig that proved to be one of the most popular events of the night. It was their annual LGBT Queer night party that had the next door pavilions jealous with envy. Over 200 turned up to dance the night away to disco songs under a clear blue sky.
Films on Tuesday included ‘Rashtrapati’ – the first film in the history of Indian Cinema that tells the story of the life and times of Chandrasekhar Azad, and ‘Frankie,’ starring the always great Isabelle Huppert as a terminally ill woman who gathers her family in Sintra, Portugal for one final family vacation. Both good but not great.
Now back to Tarantino. He has regained his cinematic crown. His 161-minute film ‘Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood’ has received rave reviews – 4-5 stars from most critics here – and its proving to be his most critically acclaimed film since 1994’s ‘Pulp Fiction.’ Not only does Tarantino regain his crown, but he has brought Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie with him to Cannes. It doesn’t get more Hollywood than that.
