I’ve tried to write this post a couple of times before now but it’s taken until today to fully process what can only be described as an absolutely epic time at the Cannes Film Festival…
One of the most famous film festivals in the world, it was the third time I’ve had the pleasure of attending this iconic celebration of film* and it didn’t disappoint…
(*For those unfamiliar with my film work, you can view over on my revamped site here: vpsarias.co.uk)
…So I’ve been lucky enough to have holidayed in the South of France since I was a child, mostly Nice, Antibes, Grasse and St Tropez so I feel I know these parts well, however no holiday can prepare you for the utter thrill, delight and sheer power of The Croissette in May where even the paparazzi wear black tie (and the dogs too it seems!) with the whole riviera wrapped up in red carpets and A listers as far as the eye can see.
Posing-we did a lot of that!
Told you even the dogs wear tuxes in Cannes!
Here red carpet-ready with actor friends of mine Angela Dixon and Solveig Haugen.
First and foremost, I feel privileged to have been accredited to attend the festival again and thus able to preview so many touching, thought provoking, utterly mesmerising films, with the stand out film for me being the Italian Incompresa ‘Misunderstood’ (in the Un Certain Regard section) starring Chartlotte Gainsbourg and unflinchingly led by female director Asia Argento.
This cutting edge melodrama follows young protagonist Giulia Salerno, Aria, 9 abandoned by her fame hungry parents, sister and friends as she attempts with gusto to remarkably find her own way in life, until quite literally, is pushed too far. Heart wrenching at times, humorous at others, Misunderstood was enthralling from start to finish and I urge you to see it as soon as it’s released.
Other highlights were the short films in competition (the star filmmakers of tomorrow), Julianne Moore’s crazed performance as Hollywood dame in David Cronenberg’s Maps to the Stars and of course the spell-binding Palme d’Or winner Winter Sleep – a Turkish film by director Nuri Bilge Ceylan.
Whiles there, Amancay Tapia my great friend, (a feature filmmaker and actress) and I also met our film heroes-chatting to iconic directors Quentin Tarantino (even larger in life than I imagined both physically and in personality-sadly no pictures allowed) and the Oscar nominated German director Wim Wenders above, who queued with us to view a film (only in Cannes).
We also stood next to the iconic beauty Sophia Loren (wow!) despite her masterclass being over subscribed, we overhead Harvey Weinstein asking his PA to take notes in the street and walked past Tamara Ecclestone and her beautiful bouncing baby in pink bonnet as we all walked down the Croisette in the sunshine.
With very cool Italian filmmaking duo above!
It was equally wonderful to meet up with actors and crew I’ve directed through my work as a filmmaker in TV drama and film such as the actress Angela Dixon above and with Sound Designer Vanesa Lorena Tate of Tate Post next to who sound designed my award winning short Broken.
I also connected with new producers, cinematographers and directors and world renowned journalists and film critics (including the very flirty but fabulous Jason Solomons below- and Hollywood Foreign Press Associate Sam Asi-friends with George Clooney no less) with great discussion on my dual careers of blogging and directing…
Here with the lovely Raj Sharma, producer of new Luke Perry movie: The Beat Beneath my Feet.
In between films, along with Amancay and another fabulous friend of ours Nicci Topping (features and commercials casting director), we dined on exquisite French food and ice cream (another post dedicated to Southern French cuisine coming soon), held meetings at the gradiose hotels from the Majestic to the Carlton and the Grand Hotel, escaped to the picture perfect beach front when we could and of course, partied ’till our heels could take no more!
…And in truth that usually meant we partied all night long (and how I loved it) attending at least three parties a night on average and these were definitely not your average parties let me tell you- stunningly catered for, free flowing champagne and cocktails (please don’t hate us) and DJ’s playing under the stars in open air clubs on the beach, yacht parties and sponsored pre film and after parties…well it was Cannes after all, darling!
Cannes by Night…
…We particularly adored the Grey Goose parties we found ourselves at most nights for low key Parisian chic beats and sugared-lemon vodka cocktails handmade for all.
I thought I was hilarious trying out the party props! This is what happens post-cocktails!
…I naturally took lots of dresses with me from high street to designer and must thank Fever London for gifting me their stunning Rachelle pencil dress in red (perfect for the festival) which made me feel a million dollars with it’s deep v-neck and flattering body con shape.
Cannes is always so glam!
Nice ride!
The Fashion TV party was a little wild!
…So with fabulous frocks on, we were flatteringly not short of male attention and often by handsome French actors and filmmakers to boot…Luckily for me my husband is part French and a stunner inside and out but it would be fair to say the girls and I certainly appreciated the view! Haha!
There is more to tell, so much more but sadly not enough white space to truly illustrate the magic, the joy, the full impact of the Festival de Cannes this year…
…The excitement which builds in the depths of the dark auditorium moments before the films begin and clapping, acknowledgment of what it takes to make a film… the passion of attendees pitching, selling, promoting their ideas, stories, screenplays and finished films, the cinephiles who queue and queue for hours for the love of film, the cast and crew attending premiers, relishing the honour, the prestige…the bright lights, flashing cameras, perfect smiles, timeless style, sheer kindness of the locals, the smell of hot crepes on the croissette, the spectacle framed within the crashing waves beneath the power yachts and dancing sun… the sheer emotion on screen with every single frame, illuminating, transporting us unflinchingly through time and space…it’s hypnotic, enrapturing… a heady hypnotic ‘can’t sleep, don’t want to miss a beat’ Cannes I’ll cherish forever more.
…I hope my pictures will help finish the story I’ve begun…
Beach cinema by night
Finally, I returned home anxious and excited to see my family again whom I missed so much, feeling stimulated yet relaxed, reconnected and refreshed, having felt I’d captured a little Cannes sparkle just for myself…
What a festival!
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I love Cannes. But I have never been during the festival and I am so jealous and this has just made me want to go so badly next one. Love all your fashionable outfits. YOu are yummy mummy through and through Vicky! Very lovely. Glad you had such a great time! It looked stunning. Love all the photos. Thank you for linking up to Share With Me. Love your post and your support. #sharewithme
Jenny recently posted…Missy Moo’s Milestones: 11 months
Cannes is incredible, lots of happy holiday and film festival memories there. You have to prove you work in film to gain accreditation into the festival. They accepted my TV contract this time. Press can also receive accreditation. It really is a fabulous festival. Thanks for your lovely comment x
Pleasure, it was amazing x
LOVE that you had such an awesome time!! No wonder it took a while to land back on earth after all of that! 🙂
Steph @MisplacedBrit recently posted…Silent Sunday, week 23 -2014
@Steph thanks darling, it did-such a fabulous time but was lovely to be back with Peter and my boys x
Ahhh, FINALLY finished reading this post. I could have carried on looking at more and more pictures of you guys having an absolute ball (we don’t hate you). Loved the frocks. I also loved the comedy shot with the bike and I bet there are lots more like that! So glad to see and read that you had such a fabulous time there – well deserved and I’m sure the memories will be well-treasured x
Ha thanks so much darling Fiona, really was very funny and yes there are many silly photos which are on my phone but didn’t make the Cannes ‘edit’! Lovely to be me with my girlfriends and I adored the films and had some fruitful meetings too, really appreciated my time there and was lovely to be back to the family on my return (missed husband and kids) x
Wow wow wow Vicki, what an incredible experience! It must have been absolutely amazing to be back there again, to soak up the atmosphere not to mention enjoy some seriously good parties. You look totally at home and utterly fabulous. Well done lovely #whatsthestory
Charly Dove recently posted…Silent Sunday
@Charly Dove thanks darling, it really was so much fun, really do fit in there, thinking we might have move there one day! Love Yorkshire but the South of France is seriously me! xx
Wow Vicki! I’m so proud of you. What an incredible experience too. I smiled through the whole post, and what do you mean A listers… you ARE our A lister gorgeous lady!
Hayley Goleniowska recently posted…The Sugar-coated Disability Abortion Lie
Haha love you Hayley, if only! Seriously lovely to have some me time! x
Well I’m exhausted just looking at those pix! I think my time in the South will be somewhat quieter… !! Glad you had such a fabulous time xx #AllAboutYou
Luci – Kids Room Style File recently posted…Moth origami lampshade in grey by Studio Snowpuppe
Yes Cannes is nothing like a family holiday, incredible though and I got time to relax alone which was wonderful in between the films and parties x
You looked fabulous in every single outfit!! What an incredible experience Cannes would be. I wouldn’t have recognized anyone!! I don’t watch any tv and haven’t watched a movie (that isn’t a cartoon!!) in years! I would be so out of the loop and outta my league at something like this but you seen right in your element!
Beautiful pictures thank you so much for sharing.
Angie from reasons to dress, fashion, real mom street style & living as a North American mom in Italy.
Angie recently posted…British Invasion – Real Mom Street Style
Thank you so much @Angie for your lovely comment, really was a wonderful experience. We currently have Peppa Pig here on a loop so was incredible to have time out to watch European films at their finest! x
How amazing to be able to keep going to the Cannes Film Festival!
You look amazing in those outfits too.
Pinkoddy recently posted…Molluscum Contagiosium #HealthHop
Thanks @pinkoddy my favourite film festival although also love Berlin, even gave a talk there x
Looks like you had the most fantastic time! Just been having a nose around your film website – some really great work which I’m going to explore further… I taught media and film for years and really enjoyed making films with kids. All this talk of film is making me miss it! x
Sophie Lovett recently posted…Shoalstone Pool
Thanks Sophie for your lovely words, fab you used to teach film, I did do and often lecture at uni’s still. Blogging has become my full time career but I’m developing something for telly and will go back to directing probably when the kids are older. Thanks for your comment x
Wow and wow! Looks like you had the best time, and it all looks so sunny and glamorous there. Glad you had a blast x
The Reading Residence recently posted…We All Cry Over Socks, Right?
@The Reading Residence thanks, it really was a blast x
Wow, just wow! 🙂 Looks absolutely amazing, and so do you, loving all the outfits.
Thanks Emma, such a fab time with great friends x
Faaaabulous post hon! I love Cannes too, it has such a unique energy! You both look amazing and great pictures and post, really convey the whirlwind time you must have had with oodles of glamour and fun. So happy for you! Misunderstood sounds right up my alley, can’t wait to hear more in person! Xxx
Mama and More aka Zaz recently posted…One mom’s mission to hero real mom street style
Thanks @Mama and More for your comment, so hard to pinpoint the excitment and utter whirlwind Cannes is so glad you felt I did it justice. Really hope we can go together one year, can you imagine the fun xx
I had to scroll through these pictures several times just to admire your amazing outfits! So cute! (I also had to sneak another peek at the doggie – I’m always a sucker for dogs in human clothing!)
I’m glad you had a great time! (even though I’m jealous too …)
Heather recently posted…The Blogger/Runner Correlation
@Heather thanks so much, such a cute doggy and our outfits weren’t bad either huh! hahah x
Love this post!
It looked like you enjoyed the festival to the max and is also amazing to be recognised in your field with accreditation to the event. I work in the film industry myself I hope to one day attend, not just eye the celebs from the peripheries 😉
Becky xx
@Becky thanks so much, it was lovely to be accredited, this was my third time there and the best yet I think. I’m sure you will be able to attend, I’d strongly recommend it, get your accreditation in early and make it as strong as possible. Thanks for your comment x
it is such an amazing event, lucky you, its always nice to feel yourself like a star)
Thanks Victoria, hehe think we did feel a little like stars (in our own little way) x
I was SO looking forward to reading about your trip and I have SO enjoyed it. Am off to check out the style blog now! Mwah!
Anya from Older Single Mum and The Healer recently posted…The Pluses and Minuses of our Butlins Bognor Regis Break.
@Anya aw thanks so much darling xx
I’m so glad you had such a good festival, and that the weather put on a good show for you too! This blog post and your photos take me back…..to our wedding in Cannes and to when we worked with these major hotels when we ran our luxury travel agency on the Riviera and to going to the festival myself. I really am so pleased you had such a fabulous experience 🙂 xx
Franglaise Mummy recently posted…Moving back to the South of France Part 2
@Franglaise Mummy thanks darling, I’ve been several times, I wonder if we might have bumped into each other and not realised it pre-blogging. The hotels are simply incredible aren’t they. I always feel so at home in the South of France, think we might have to return again for this year’s family holiday xx
A-MAZE-ING!! I am green with envy! The films sound divine, the food, the parties, the dresses, the company! Wow! Just Wow!
So glad you had a great time Vicki!
tinuke recently posted…Thumbs Up for Stephen Sutton and a Thunderclap
@Tinuke thanks darling, we really did have a wow-time xx
Thank you for allowing me to live my life via yours 😉 . Looks absolutely fabulous and a long way removed from the soggy south coast of the UK at the mo. Oh, and that dog in the Tux!!!!!
@Abby hehe thanks, arrived back to soggy Yorkshire too! Isn’t that dog the cutest!
Wow just wow – a whole other world to me. You looked stunning in all the shots but i love the one with you in the hat. Glad you had such an amazing night xxx
Hurrah For Gin recently posted…The hiding stuff you really need game
@Hurrah for Gin thanks lovely, was an epic few days and we loved every minute, acclimatizing to being back and partying means staying up late and watching Family Guy x
Wow, what an amazing trip, Vicki! You look so glamorous and it sounds like a total blast from every perspective: career, self, liver-destruction 😉 Well jell! x
Jess Paterson recently posted…If You Prick Us Mums, Do We Not Bleed?
@Jess hahaha yes on all fronts, just about recovered x
You are SO bloody glamourous! Brilliant schmoozing action going on there x
Alison Perry recently posted…Why I Want To Raise A Disobedient Daughter
Thanks Alison and haha yes definitely xx
Oh wow! Amazingly glam pics, you look wonderful and glad you had such a fab time. Very jealous! xxx
PottyMouthedMummy recently posted…Happ-happ-happy
@Pottymouthedmummy thanks so much, already feels like a long time ago now x
What a fantastic post and a truly amazing experience. I went to Cannes a few years ago, alas not for the festival, and it is a magical place. Have to say your wardrobe is pretty amazing here too.
fashion-mommy recently posted…M&Co 25% off event – my key picks
Thanks so much fashion-mummy glorious place isn’t it. I will be posting a style post on my style blog mummysgotstyle.com tomorrow x
Wow ! This looks so classy and fabulous. I just loved this. I only get to know about Cannes festival through newspapers and magazines only, but now, when I read your blog, you made it an alive moment for me. I am really thankful for sharing your experience. Keep blogging !
@Cheenu thanks so much for your touching comment, really appreciate it and so glad I brought the festival to life for you x
What a ride for you lovely. I am not jealous at all…. honestly…. or maybe a bit! But you deserve it.
mirka @kahanka recently posted…Disney All the Way
Haha, thanks darling for your gorgeous words, would love a girly trip with you sometime x
Honest Mum recently posted…My Time at The Cannes Film Festival
WOW It looks like it was a brilliant few days – I think I would have walked around permanently star struck by the whole thing. Hope you have a really amazing time, you look fabulous and that hotel looks amazing!
It was wonderful thanks, I was a little star struck with Quentin-was a wonderful week x
Honest Mum recently posted…My Time at The Cannes Film Festival
Wow what an incredible experience. It looks absolutely amazing, I am so glad you have a great time. x
You Baby Me Mummy recently posted…Top Tips for Better Blogging
Thanks, so funny have just seen this comment, a year later as I search for images for my ‘away’ post x
honestmum recently posted…A Vlog: Essential Baby Style with The Essential One
A suitably FABULOUS festival darling for a fabulous you! Gosh, the whole experience sounds amazing! It seems you had an absolute ball and who can blame you?! 🙂
You looked wonderful too – always love red on you. And your friend’s sparkly dress… stunning!
If you go next year, I demand to be smuggled in your luggage 😉 Mwah Mwah Mwah x
Katie / Pouting In Heels recently posted…YOUR SECRETS: How boudoir photography is helping to boost women’s body confidence
Thanks so much sweetie, we need to make a little film and attend together, it sure was a magical time, thanks for your lovely comments, love a bit of red xx
honestmum recently posted…My Time at The Cannes Film Festival
Wow wow wow!!! I have looked at your piccys on social media with envy. It looked like you had a truly magical time and I am very jel indeed. What wonderful glamorous memories. And I bet it was brilliant to feel a but unmumsy for a while. What a brill post xxx
brummymummyof2 recently posted…CBeebies Land. Worth the Hype?
Thanks brummymummyof2 it was utterly wonderful and I really appreciated having some me time with friends and colleagues. Missed my family lots but so good to have had that time out to fully absorb the festival x
honestmum recently posted…My Time at The Cannes Film Festival
Wow! You had such a fabulous time! Fantastic post, gorgeous photos; what wonderful time spent just be you x
Sara (@mumturnedmom) recently posted…Expat: Memorial Day Parade
@sara thanks so much, truly was x
honestmum recently posted…My Time at The Cannes Film Festival
Wow, just wow… for once I can’t say more…
pantomum recently posted…Ode to Half Term (from a Mum’s POV)
Hehe, thanks x
Honest Mum recently posted…My Time at The Cannes Film Festival
ooh wow glad you had an amazing time
ninja cat recently posted…Rhubarb Recipes To Love And Perfect Roast Potatoes As Well.
Thanks @ninjacat we really did x
Honest Mum recently posted…My Time at The Cannes Film Festival
Wow! It looks amazing!! I love the dog in his tuxedo 😉
Shay Noble recently posted…Reasons to be Cheerful #R2BC – 10
Thanks, he was the sweetest pup x
Honest Mum recently posted…My Time at The Cannes Film Festival
Wow hon looks like you had an utterly fabulous time! Must have been nice to be Vicki for a few days xx
mummytries recently posted…Fun Times at Brockwell Park
Thanks Mummytries you are so right, it really was honey x
honestmum recently posted…My Time at The Cannes Film Festival
It looks like you’ve had such a great time! Fab photos, too! Mel
Mel recently posted…Night out at the Nobody Inn!
Thanks Mel, really loved every minute. I managed to grab some with my ‘proper’ camera but often it was too heavy to take out so a few out of focus, champagne-effected phone snaps too I’m afraid x
honestmum recently posted…My Time at The Cannes Film Festival
wow and wow again you Rock in every photo there. What an amazing time
Coombemill recently posted…Anyone for Swingball?
@Coombemill thanks darling, it truly was wonderful in every way, I feel very lucky x
Looks like you had an amazing time! I love Cannes- I went a few years ago pre children and it’s such a brilliant place!
Anneka x
Anneka@mamaandthree recently posted…A Rainy Day Picnic
@Anneka really is, isn’t it. Thinking of taking family to Antibes this summer x
honestmum recently posted…My Time at The Cannes Film Festival
Well i’ve already been soaking up your pictures via social media but fab to read what an outstanding time you had! It does sound like one endless party but I can imagine the film previews must have been incredible too. And to meet Tarantino, did he talk your ear off??? Love the dog in the tux. So very South of France x
Uju @Babesabouttown recently posted…Top 20 Family Friendly Festivals in London and Beyond (Summer 2014)
Thanks @Uju Cannes knows how to party. We had a brief chat with Tarantino-a lot of energy for sure, I was pretty star-struck! We have to attend a fest together one time, let’s do Tribeca!x
Wow what a fantastic adventure! Looks like loads of fun!
Elizabeth recently posted…Rhubarb and Saffron Yogurt Cake
Thanks Elizabeth, it really was x
honestmum recently posted…My Time at The Cannes Film Festival
Fabulous insight into your trip lovely . It looks amazing. Almost as amazing as your glittery peeptoe heels.*swoon*.xxxxx
@Julesy10 thanks darling, those shoes are princess heels from Next x
Fabulous insight into your trip lovely . It looks amazing. Almost as amazing as your glittery peeptoe heels.*swoon*.xxx
Looks and sounds like you had an amazing time. I love the red Fever dress too. really looked amazing.
Emma T (@ETusty) recently posted…Gardening with children
Thanks Emma!
honestmum recently posted…My Time at The Cannes Film Festival
That all sounds truly and totally amazing. Sounds, and looks, like you all had a wonderful time. Will keep my eyes peeled for the films. Xx
Muma Leary recently posted…Wonderful Wirral Women! #WoWiWo
@Muma Leary it was wonderful and do check out the films, seriously incredible movies x
That all sounds absolutely, totally fantastic! So pleased you had a great time. There must have been so much going on. Wonderful!
Muma Leary recently posted…Wonderful Wirral Women! #WoWiWo
It was fab thanks, off again now in a few days, this year has flown by x
honestmum recently posted…A Vlog: Essential Baby Style with The Essential One
It all sounds awesome! you look awesome! The French people are awesome! I love France! Just don’t forget me next year, k?!…;)
mascara & mud recently posted…sweat. smile. repeat.
@Mascara&mud thanks darling, we love the French, come next time x
Gorgeous photos – loving the red dress. Really suits you. Trip sounds ah-mazing! x
ebabee recently posted…Beautiful board games
Thanks so much Nomita, we really had the time of our lives x
Honest Mum recently posted…My Time at The Cannes Film Festival