The Cannes Classics program for this year is set to captivate audiences with a compelling array of cinematic treasures, highlighting the enduring legacy and ongoing relevance of film preservation. This carefully curated selection brings together both iconic and influential works, offering a retrospective journey through cinematic history while celebrating the intricate art of film restoration. From critically acclaimed fantasies to high-octane blockbusters, the program underscores the rich diversity of global cinema.

As a vital component of the Cannes Film Festival, the Classics section not only provides a platform for showcasing meticulously restored films but also serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts of archives, studios, and cinematheques worldwide. Through this initiative, the festival continues to honor the past masters of filmmaking and their indelible contributions to the medium, ensuring their artistic visions can be experienced by new generations in their intended glory.

Celebrated Films Return to the Croisette

This year's esteemed Cannes Classics selection will notably feature a newly restored 4K version of Guillermo del Toro’s dark fantasy masterpiece, 'Pan’s Labyrinth,' commemorating two decades since its initial groundbreaking debut at Cannes, where it earned a legendary 22-minute standing ovation. Del Toro himself is expected to be present to introduce this special screening. In a contrasting yet equally anticipated event, Rob Cohen’s high-octane action film, 'The Fast and the Furious,' will command a midnight showing at the Grand Théâtre Lumière, with key cast members such as Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and Jordana Brewster anticipated to attend, bringing a burst of adrenaline to the festival’s retrospective.

The comprehensive lineup of restored films transcends geographical and temporal boundaries, featuring a diverse collection that includes Artavazd Pelechian’s remarkable four-film 'Pelechian Project,' Andrzej Wajda’s poignant 'Man of Iron,' Luchino Visconti’s sophisticated 'The Innocent,' and Akira Kurosawa’s foundational 'Sugata Sanshiro.' The program further includes renewed versions of Jerzy Skolimowski’s 'Moonlighting' and Giuseppe Patroni Griffi’s 'Metti una sera a cena,' with Dario Argento slated to introduce the latter. These selections collectively illustrate the profound global influence and stylistic variety inherent in film history, offering attendees a unique opportunity to revisit or discover these influential works in pristine condition.

A Focus on Cinematic Narratives and Tributes

Beyond the impressive restorations, Cannes Classics extends its narrative reach by deeply engaging with documentary filmmaking that explores the essence of cinema itself. This year’s documentary lineup promises intimate portraits of revered figures, including 'Dernsie: The Amazing Life of Bruce Dern,' which will be attended by Bruce Dern and his daughter Laura Dern, offering a personal insight into his extensive career. Another notable documentary is 'Maverick: The Epic Adventures of David Lean,' providing an in-depth look at the monumental career of the iconic director. Furthermore, the program will delve into the legacies of master filmmakers Vittorio De Sica and Chris Marker, enriching the understanding of their contributions to film art. Acclaimed Irish documentarian Mark Cousins, a regular presence at Cannes, will also return with his latest work, 'The Story of Documentary Film (The 70s),' continuing his exploration of documentary history.

The section is also proud to introduce two significant contemporary works that push the boundaries of cinematic expression: Bérenger Thouin’s 'The Golden Age,' a sweeping fictional portrayal of a woman's journey through the 20th century, and Jean-Gabriel Périot’s 'A Life, A Manifesto,' a documentary that meticulously chronicles the life of the influential critic, filmmaker, and revolutionary Michèle Firk. Complementing these features, a special program of three short films by Jia Zhang-Ke, Dustin Yellin, and Amirhossein Shojaei will be presented, with notable talents like Zhao Tao, Paul Rudd, and Darren Aronofsky expected to grace the Croisette. These diverse offerings ensure that the Cannes Classics remains a dynamic and comprehensive celebration of cinematic artistry, past and present.