Cannes Film Festival 2024: Highlights for Teens

Big Awards Night

The 79th Cannes Film Festival wrapped up on Saturday, May 23 at the Grand Théâtre Lumière. Cristian Mungiu’s film Fjord took home the Palme d’Or, marking his second top prize—19 years after his first win. Andrei Zvyagintsev’s Minotaur received the Grand Prix.

Jury President’s View on Art and Politics

South Korean director Park Chan‑wook, known for Oldboy, served as jury president. He reminded everyone that art cannot be separated from politics, saying:

“Art and politics are not concepts that contradict each other.”

He explained that films always reflect the social conditions of their time.

Spotlight on Palestinian Cinema

Debut Film in Un Certain Regard

Palestinian filmmaker Rakan Mayasi premiered his first feature, Yesterday the Eye Didn’t Sleep, in the Un Certain Regard section on May 20. Set in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, the story follows a Bedouin community coping with the disappearance of a young girl.

The film was made possible with funding from the Doha Film Institute and co‑production partners in Palestine, Belgium, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Panels and Discussions

On May 19, the Palestine Film Institute hosted a session called “Palestinian Cinema: Shaping the Future Together” at the Palestine Pavilion. Moderated by Sawsan Asfari of the Asfari Foundation, the talk included members of the Palestinian Film Fund and filmmaker Tareq Khalaf, a Cannes Docs participant.

Docs Showcase

Four documentary works were presented during the Cannes Docs Palestine showcase. Mohamed Jabaly, an IDFA‑winning filmmaker and director of the Palestine Documentary Hub, said:

“Cannes Docs is a platform where Palestinian stories can show our true, complex reality beyond headlines and transcend imposed boundaries.”

He stressed that Palestinian cinema deserves professional platforms and commercial support, not just charity.

Producer’s Perspective

Mohanad Yaqubi, public program advisor for the Palestinian Film Fund, noted that the return of the Palestine Pavilion highlights “the resilience of artistic perseverance and the potential of creative voices that cannot be silenced.” He added that festivals like Cannes remain vital for Palestinian filmmakers, even amid ongoing challenges in Gaza.

Other MENA Voices at Cannes

Yemen

Yemeni director Sara Ishaq screened The Station during Critics’ Week. The film follows two sisters navigating war, refuge, and family tension in Yemen.

Morocco

Moroccan director Laïla Marrakchi returned with La Más Dulce, featured in Un Certain Regard. It tells the story of two young Moroccan women working as seasonal strawberry pickers in southern Spain who face exploitation and abuse.

What the Awards Mean for Emerging Filmmakers

While Fjord showcases the work of an established master, the Palestinian selections highlighted debut films and emerging talents navigating international production and financing systems. For these filmmakers, getting a spot at Cannes can open funding talks that decide whether their projects move into production.

Looking Ahead

The 80th Cannes Film Festival is set for May 2027. Until then, the conversations started this year—about politics, representation, and new voices—will continue to shape the festival’s future.

Conclusion

This year’s Cannes blended celebrated masters with fresh perspectives from Palestine and across the MENA region. The festival proved that cinema can be both an artistic expression and a platform for social dialogue, offering teen audiences a glimpse into how films reflect—and can influence—the world around us.