So, some news: I am planning on attending the Cannes Film Festival this upcoming May. The Dardennes are my primary research topic for my PhD, and their film Ahmed will almost certainly premiere at Cannes this year (barring some unlikely or unforeseen circumstances). So, I aim to see their new film, and hopefully get an interview with them, because...research. The press accreditation opens on February 1, and I have a few media outlets I've contacted in order to cover the festival. Even if I can't get press accreditation, I should be able to attend as a graduate student studying film (and hopefully my membership in OFCS will be useful too). Either way, the plane tickets have been purchased and accommodations have been secured. I am probably over-prepared and thinking way too far ahead, but such is my personality. And I'm thrilled; if this works out, it is a dream come true.
Has anyone here at A&F attended Cannes before? If you have any tips on travel, the Cannes festival culture, things to see or do (or avoid!), or stuff I wouldn't even know to ask about, I'd be grateful for your wisdom.