KATHMANDU: The 78th edition of the world-famous Cannes Film Festival will begin today in France. The festival will be organized from May 13 to May 24 in the French city of Cannes on the southeastern French Riviera.

This year’s festival promises several major highlights. Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise is set to walk the red carpet for the world premiere of the final installment of the iconic Mission: Impossible series, titled Dead Reckoning.
The event will open with the French comedy film Live One Day. Celebrated French actress Juliette Binoche will serve as a jury member in the main competition category. Meanwhile, veteran actor Robert De Niro will be honored with the Honorary Palme d’Or.

Global stars such as Scarlett Johansson, Kristen Stewart, and Harris Dickinson will have their directorial debut films screened under the Un Certain Regard section.

Sixteen women-directed films are included in this year’s official selection, accounting for approximately 28.5% of the lineup—an increase from last year’s 23.7%. This indicates a positive trend toward the inclusion of female filmmakers at Cannes.

The festival also unfolds against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement to impose a 100% customs duty on foreign films. This move has raised questions about its potential impact on the Cannes film market.
Though not selected for the main competition, the Nepali film Eklo will participate in various programs at Cannes 2025. For the first time, a Nepali film is expected to set up its own stall at the Marché du Film (Cannes Film Market), where it will be pitched to international distributors, sales agents, and producers.

Director Pradeep Shah of Eklo will take part in the Producers’ Network program. Some of the film’s cast members are also expected to attend the festival.

Indian media have reported that Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt will make her Cannes red carpet debut as a brand ambassador for L’Oréal Paris. Nearly five decades after Taxi Driver won the top prize Palme d’Or, Robert De Niro will once again be honored—this time with the festival’s highest honorary award.