Cannes ended its own cliff hanger on Saturday, the final day of the 78th Film Festival, when blackouts caused by intentional obstruction shut down the power grid that serves the city and most of the surrounding area.
Starting at 10am, the suspension suspended screenings, closing cafes and restaurants, moving to cash-only payments, causing chaos on the streets as traffic lights wrinkled.
The blackout caused slight disruption at the festival's headquarters, Palais, where the generator kicked and restored power. Kelly Reichart's press conference The mastermind, Director and cast members Josh O'Connor and Paul Mezcal proceeded as planned at 10:15am local time. In a statement, the festival said it means that the independent power source in the Palais will not affect tonight's closing ceremony.
The blackout collided with Cannes and surrounding towns, taking 160,000 households of power, France's power transmission system operator RTE said in its X account.
Foul play is suspected for being suspended. French media have reported overnight fire and arson attacks in the southwest of Cannes overnight at an electric station outside the town of Tanneron, with electric pylons near the town of Mugen just north of Cannes firing of Villeneuve Roubais and Cagnus su. French radio network French Fos cited sources from local police and French police ministry.
By 3pm, the power supply had partially restored, the traffic lights were operating again, and some shops were operating with minimal power. Most hotels and apartments in the city have also returned online. This means that there is no confusion among VIP guests attending tonight's ceremony.
