Cannes 2026: Cantona films screen amid cultural row and horror hit

The 2026 Cannes Film Festival has opened with a dual focus on high-profile premieres and significant institutional controversy. Football legend Éric Cantona is the subject of two separate screenings, marking a notable return to the Croisette for the former Manchester United icon.

The first feature is "Marvellous Mornings", the debut film from director Avril Besson. Alongside this, a British documentary titled "Cantona" is being screened, examining the turbulent period of his career at the English club.

Away from the red carpet events, the festival is grappling with a growing political dispute regarding media influence in France. Hundreds of film figures have lodged accusations against broadcaster Canal+ and billionaire Vincent Bolloré, alleging that they are fostering a far-right shift in French culture.

The controversy highlights broader tensions within the industry concerning media ownership and political direction. While the specific details of the allegations have not been fully elaborated, the scale of the objection from hundreds of professionals underscores the severity of the dispute.

In terms of audience reception, South Korean director Na Hong-jin has secured a strong position with his film "Hope". The sci-fi horror movie, which stars Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander, has emerged as a major crowd-pleaser.

Na Hong-jin, previously known for the cult hit "The Wailing", has delivered what critics and attendees are describing as a brutal and impactful viewing experience. The film’s success stands in contrast to the political friction surrounding the festival’s institutional backers.

The 2026 edition of the festival thus presents a complex landscape, balancing the commercial and artistic appeal of its programme against significant questions about cultural governance and media independence in France.