One would expect Cannes to be sunny and warm but the past couple days have been wet rainy and a bit cold. So umbrellas here have been a much-needed accessory – for without one arriving on the red carpet all wet with makeup running down your face is not a good look.
Saturday was all about the Monaco Better World Forum. To raise global awareness about the Oceans, the Monaco Better World Forum declared May 18th as “Ocean Impact Day,” a day in which to unite the environmental, business and entertainment industries to participate in a global movement to save our Planet. In late morning a wet and cold press conference took place on the rooftop of the 3.14 Hotel/Casino to open the day and to provide the press and assorted VIP’s with more information about the organisation.
In the evening a gala awards dinner took place at the Martinez Hotel with key political and celebrity figures, including American actor Chris Tucker and actress Kiara Chaplin, both of whom are committed to positive ocean action. An award was posthumously awarded to documentarian Rob Stewart for his heroic legacy and final film Sharkwater Extinction. His parents and producers Brian and Sandy Stewart and Patrice Theroux, executive producers, were on hand to receive the award. Sharkwater Extinction also won a special documentary prize at the Sochi International Film Festival in December of last year.
It was a fancy affair where we were treated to a delicious meal (filet of Turbot was the main course) and unlimited wine and champagne.
In between the Monaco World Forum I was invited to the Russian pavilion for a preview showcase of Russian films in production. Spotted there was actress Anna Danshina (Love, Possibly), while producers Katerina Mikhaylova, Polina Shlicht and Konstantin Fam previewed their upcoming films ‘It Is Not Her Name’ and ‘The Conference.’ From the clips that were shown I’m very much looking forward to seeing the finished projects!
And the night winded down while sipping champagne at the Carlton Hotel with film producer Paul Andrews, his lovely girlfriend Alesia, influential blogger Catherine Chan and the beautiful Nicole Zellner.
Photos by Tim Baros