In brief
A significant power outage struck Cannes, France, on Saturday, impacting the ongoing film festival and leaving many without electricity. Local authorities reported that the blackout began around 10 a.m., with RTE, the nation's electrical grid operator, stating that it had affected approximately 160,000 homes in the region. Emergency crews have been deployed to restore power swiftly, although the cause of the disruption has not yet been identified.
Despite the blackout, festival organizers rapidly activated backup power systems, guaranteeing that all planned events, including the much-anticipated closing ceremony, could continue without interruption. While some screenings in one venue were temporarily halted, the majority of activities proceeded smoothly. Local reports indicated that traffic lights were down in various areas, leading authorities to advise residents and visitors to exercise caution. The Palme d'Or and other prestigious awards are slated for presentation on Saturday evening, giving event attendees a sense of relief amidst the chaos, as the backup systems have been effective in maintaining a celebratory atmosphere at the festival.
