The Cannes Film Festival has always showcased politically engaged films and this year is no different, with a particular focus on the climate crisis. Two French films have won plaudits for their exploration of the issue – “Acid”, portraying a world racked by toxic rain, and “The Animal Kingdom”, in which a mysterious epidemic transforms people into animals. Amid the film screenings and red carpets, activists have been carrying out direct action to denounce the use of private planes and mega-yachts during the festival.
Just when they were about to take off from Cannes-Mandelieu airport on Saturday, the passengers on board a private jet had a strange encounter. They were on the runway when a remote-controlled car blocked their path, releasing a cloud of green smoke to stop the plane taking off. The French branch of environmental activist group Extinction Rebellion said they were responsible, adding that they wanted to highlight the “absurdity” of the super-rich lifestyle.
