All Eyes on Cannes: The Official 2025 Festival Line-Up

 

Earlier this week the 78th Cannes Film Festival, scheduled from May 13 to 24, 2025, announced a dynamic lineup featuring acclaimed directors and noteworthy debuts.

Competition Highlights

Nineteen films will compete for the prestigious Palme d'Or, showcasing a blend of established auteurs and emerging voices. Notable entries include:​

• The Phoenician Scheme by Wes Anderson: An action-packed film featuring a star-studded cast. ​

• Eddington by Ari Aster: A pandemic-set dark comedy starring Joaquin Phoenix. ​

• New Wave by Richard Linklater: A film with a star-studded cast including Emma Stone and Tom Hanks. ​

• The Mastermind by Kelly Reichardt: An art heist drama. ​

• Alpha by Julia Ducournau: A provocative film by the Palme d'Or-winning director. ​

• Sentimental Value by Joachim Trier: An emotionally charged film. ​

• Jeunes Mères by the Dardenne brothers: A new entry from the acclaimed Belgian filmmakers.

• My Father's Shadow by Akinola Davies Jr.: Nigeria's first-ever official selection at Cannes.

  
  Un Certain Regard and Directorial Debuts
  

  The Un Certain Regard section will feature directorial debuts from prominent actors.
  

• Eleanor the Great by Scarlett Johansson: Her first film as a director. ​

• Urchin by Harris Dickinson: The actor's directorial debut.
  

         Out-of-Competition Screenings

        High-profile films set to premiere out of competition include:​

• Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning: Tom Cruise returns in the franchise's grand finale. 

• Highest 2 Lowest by Spike Lee: An English adaptation of Kurosawa’s "High and Low," starring Denzel Washington. ​

• Stories of Surrender: A film by Bono.
  

Festival Leadership and Honors

Juliette Binoche will preside over the jury, marking the first time in 60 years that women have led the jury in consecutive years. Robert De Niro will receive the Honorary Palme d'Or at the opening ceremony, recognizing his illustrious career.

With a dynamic array of genres, themes, and auteurs, Cannes 2025 is poised to be a defining moment in this cinematic year.

U.S. buyers are flocking to the Côte d’Azur

 

Real estate continues to be a hot topic here on the French Riviera—whether you’re a local, an agent in the business, or just visiting the region.

Following up on my last post about the so-called "Trump Effect" and how it's influencing real estate here, more news this week has highlighted why Americans—especially from the U.S.—are arriving in growing numbers.

The French Riviera, especially Nice and its surrounding areas, has become increasingly popular among affluent American tourists and expatriates. In fact, recent trends show that nearly one in every two property sales in Nice involves a U.S. buyer.

Since the pandemic, the number of American visitors to the Côte d’Azur and Monaco has risen dramatically. While they were nearly absent during the Covid years, they're now returning with enthusiasm, financial means, and—quite notably—genuine interest in living here, at least part-time.

Local tourism authorities are embracing this shift. According to Côte d’Azur France Tourisme, Americans accounted for 620,000 hotel stays in 2024, a 10% increase compared to 2019. That growth puts them ahead of traditional European travelers from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy, giving local tourism and property professionals even more reason to focus on this demographic.

It’s not just the sunshine, sea, and incredible lifestyle drawing them in. New direct flights from major U.S. cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Atlanta into Nice have made the region far more accessible. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport reported a 40% increase in passenger traffic between the U.S. and the Riviera in 2024 alone.

Naturally, the hospitality sector has responded quickly—adding new hotels near the airport and expanding high-end accommodations in central Nice to meet the growing demand.

The real estate market has certainly felt the impact. As a North American myself (from Canada), it's no surprise that most of my clientele also comes from across the Atlantic. And I'm always excited to introduce them to the balance of work, life, and leisure that the Riviera so effortlessly offers.

I wholeheartedly agree with Olivier Roquin of Nice’s Agence Winter, who recently told France 3 Côte d’Azur that he’s seen a major uptick in American buyers, stating, “One in two sales [in the city] is with Americans.”

These LGBTQ+ buyers are typically over 50, financially comfortable, and have the luxury of time. They're often drawn to Belle Époque-style properties in the €400,000 to €800,000 range, especially those within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and the beach.

Roquin attributes this trend to a mix of political and lifestyle factors, explaining, “Politics may be the trigger, but the decision to come to Nice is about the setting. And they admire President Macron, who represents European stability.”

From my own experience, many American clients say the same thing: they’re looking for peace of mind—safety, security, and a healthier pace of life—even if it’s just for a few months a year.

Monaco, too, is seeing a gradual rise in American residents. According to the Monegasque Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (IMSEE), there were 449 American residents in the Principality in 2023, up from 366 in 2016. While the increase is modest, it’s consistent.

However, some hurdles remain. U.S. tax obligations and strict banking rules under FATCA have made it difficult for Americans to open accounts in Monaco. As a result, many choose to settle in nearby French towns that offer the best of both worlds: Riviera charm with close access to Monaco’s services and lifestyle.

If you’re considering a lifestyle change—whether it’s a relocation, a second home, or just exploring your options here in the Côte d’Azur—don’t hesitate to reach out to me and my team at Experience The French Riviera. We’re ready to offer you honest, detailed, and realistic insights to help you make the right decision.

Rencontres Cinématographiques In&Out 2025

 

The In&Out Film Festival (also known as the Rencontres Cinématographiques In&Out Nice), returns for its 17th edition from April 17-28th, inviting us to see the world differently, embrace new challenges, and add a spark of joy.

Over the course of twelve days, attendees can look forward to approximately thirty film screenings, many of which are premieres. The festival also features interactions with artists and a variety of related events such as exhibitions, readings, performances, and conferences that delve into themes pertinent to the LGBTQ+ community.

This year, In&Out celebrates “lesbian genius” with a dedicated weekend focused on lesbian visibility. Alongside a striking poster by Romy Alizée, the program includes screenings, talks, roundtables, readings, and workshops—all honoring women who love women.

A special spotlight will be given to Florent Gouëlou (aka Javel Habibi), a filmmaker and drag performer, who will bring the spirit of his legendary Parisian nights at La Flèche d'Or.

Amid rising global tensions and growing reactionary politics, the festival turns to voices of resistance. Abdellah Taïa (Morocco) and Karim Kattan (Palestine), both acclaimed writers, will share their perspectives on identity, belonging, and the place of LGBTQIA+ communities in today’s world.

The festival’s Panorama section offers a rich lineup of premieres, including:

• Mascarpone – The Rainbow Cake by Alessandro Guida (Italy)
  

• Egoist by Daishi Matsunaga (Japan)
  

• All the Pleasure Is for Me by Sacha Amaral (Argentina)
  

• Slow by Marija Kavtaradze (Lithuania) – a tender take on asexuality
  

• On Guard by Nelicia Low (Singapore) – a tense thriller in the world of fencing
  

• Me, My Mother and the Others by Iair Said (Argentina)
  

• Oslo Trilogy: Desire / Love / Dreams by Dag Johan Haugerud (Norway)

In&Out will also pay tribute to trailblazing voices. A retrospective honors Lionel Soukaz, a beloved filmmaker and friend of the festival, through his seminal work Race d’Ep (1979). In doing so, it also commemorates Magnus Hirschfeld, the first LGBTQIA+ rights activist, who died in exile in Nice 90 years ago.

The legendary Paul Vecchiali will be remembered through films from his iconic production company, Diagonale.

Short films take center stage once more with the return of the popular “Queer-métrage” Night and the launch of "Short en queer DIY"—a 12-day filmmaking challenge open to creatives of all levels.

By celebrating queer cinema in all its forms and encouraging its production, In&Out continues to answer the essential need for queer visibility, culture, and storytelling.

The Trump Effect on Côte d’Azur Real Estate

Regardless of where you stand politically, the so-called “Trump Effect”—as it’s increasingly being referred to in Europe—is already leaving its mark here on the Côte d’Azur. While we watch events unfold from afar, the ripple effects are being felt in several areas of daily life, especially within the local real estate market.

As a Canadian expat, I started discussing these trends with partner agencies well before the U.S. presidential election. As there has been a noticeable uptick in inquiries from Americans considering their options—many of whom were clearly contemplating a Plan B. What was once a cautious curiosity has now been evolving into concrete decisions.

And here in France, that shift is unmistakably underway.

Whether people are searching for a secondary residence or planning a permanent move, the interest is steady and growing. Most of the inquiries are from investors drawn to high-end properties—seafront villas, elegant countryside estates, luxury apartments in iconic neighborhoods, and historic homes—particularly in the French Riviera and Paris.

The first thing I often hear, whether by phone, email, or in person, is a desire for safety, stability, and peace of mind. Even if it’s just for a few months each year, people are seeking a lifestyle that feels grounded and secure.

And frankly, they’ve found the ideal place. The French Riviera offers more than just natural beauty—from the Mediterranean coastline to charming hilltop villages—it also provides a calm, balanced pace of life. The Côte d’Azur feels both vibrant and serene, with endless opportunities for exploration and connection, and a truly international community.

If you’re an English-speaking professional, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to feel at home while abroad, this region has become a hub of both business and friendship networking—effortlessly woven into daily life, without being overwhelming.

Having relocated to the Riviera over a decade ago (and having visited since 1990), I deeply understand the questions, challenges, and excitement that come with starting fresh in France. My experience—both good and bad—has helped me develop an instinct for guiding others through the process with clarity and confidence. And as a North American myself, I don’t just speak English—I speak your English.

The French Riviera has long attracted Americans, from the days of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Grace Kelly to today’s entrepreneurs and creatives. But in recent years, it’s become more than just a romantic destination—it’s a sound investment opportunity.

With mortgage rates low, stable property prices, and France’s solid economic foundation, there’s never been a better time to explore ownership here.

Beyond helping you find your dream home, I work closely with a tight-knit network of trusted financial advisors, mortgage specialists, and notaries—ensuring you have the right team by your side every step of the way.

France offers a rare blend of affordability, stability, and quality of life. It’s a food- and energy-secure nation, with a strong democracy and a rich cultural tapestry. Whether you're relocating, retiring, or simply investing in a lifestyle upgrade, the transition can be seamless.

This could be your chance to live where others vacation.

And rest assured—my approach is pressure-free, discreet, and entirely focused on your vision. I’ve built a reputation for integrity, not salesmanship. Your privacy, preferences, and peace of mind always come first.

So if you're thinking about making a move, now may be the perfect time to explore the opportunities waiting for you here on the French Riviera.

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