Yes, I Cannes 2022 Film Festival and More!

Cannes, Where the Business of Film, Creativity, and Fashion Collide!

Cannes 2022

The Cannes 2022 experience is about networking, screenings, Marché du Film, the International Pavilions, parties, fashion and unique culinary experiences. The best places to network depend on your own goals. Party invites, screenings, lectures/seminars, International Pavilions, and the Marché du Film are excellent places to start, and there is much crossover between creative/production/sales. Signing up for seminars can provide access to execs who are hard to meet otherwise.

Film Festival Picks

My favorite red carpet screening was Frère et Sœur, shown at Le Grand Théâtre Lumière and starring Marion Cotillard and Melvil Poupard, directed by Arnaud Desplechin. It is a poignant story of siblings who lose their elderly parents and are left to scrabble with each other while trying to resolve 25 years of sibling conflict and estrangement. It was an emotional roller coaster that left me a little uncertain at the end of the film, trying to understand the depth of the conflict between the brother and sister co-stars. Yet the movie was engaging, and I came away with some new thoughts on family dynamics!

Cannes Team (see professional details below): Stephanie Slama, Jill Grinda, Tasha Powell, Triin Lellep

Cannes Fashion

The best fashion moments were at the Majestic Hotel Lobby and the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals. In particular, the hot pink tulle gown worn by Spanish journalist and TV reporter Marta Riesco was divine and flowed like clouds in a breeze. Also, French stylist and fashion brand Subsaharienne Couture showcased a fabulous organza light pink hat that was elegant, dynamic and a head-turner!

Festival Food

My favourite red carpet (le tapis rouge) dessert was the Pavlova at the well-known seafood restaurant, Astoux et Brun, 27 rue Felix Fauvre, in the Suquet, a 3-minute walk to the Palais du Festival. It was a towering masterpiece made with Pavlova rounds, freshly cut strawberries, coulis, strawberry cream and fresh mint. This dessert is truly a mini-architectural wonder.

Movie Stars

The most talked-about American actors included Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise, Jennifer Connelly, Anne Hathaway, Mena Suvari and Eva Longoria. Then, of course, there was lots of buzz about French actors Léa Seydoux and Marion Cotillard. My favourite British actors at Cannes include Anthony Hopkins, Idris Elba, and Tilda Swinton. Spanish actress Rossy de Palma rocked the red carpet, as she always does! Actors from around the globe are continuing to celebrate the magic of film this week.

Movies and PJs

The best XR Cinema (extended reality) experience is called Le Musk by A.R. Rahman. It is a 6-minute sample of a 36-minute film that demonstrates how strongly memories tie to scents. Extended reality is a broad term for augmented, virtual and mixed reality. So put on the VR goggles and headphones and enjoy the experience – booth E17, Positron, Marché du Film.

No trip to the Cannes Film Festival is complete without an invite to a pyjama party. This year it was at Villa Cannois overlooking the Mediterranean. The particular PJ bash we attended this year showcased guests wearing loungewear, PJs, robes, kimonos and negligees.

As of the 23rd of May, I have left Cannes before the official Closing Ceremony but stay tuned to the news to discover the Palm d’Or winner on May 27th.

Cocktails for Cannes

Red Carpet Mojito

This is an easy drinking summer cocktail (maybe too easy). Gather some fresh berries, ice and mint for a refreshing toast to summer and the movie stars at the Cannes Film Festival.

Check out this recipe

Pink Elephant Martini Cocktail

This cocktail is festive, fun and easy to mix. Enjoy!

Check out this recipe

Pink Gin Gimlet

A refreshing summer cocktail.

Check out this recipe

Pure Rosé Cocktail Recipe with rose ice cubes

The most time-consuming part of this drink recipe is making the ice cubes in advance. Find some beautiful miniature roses and freeze them in ice cube trays with water. The cocktail is delicious (of course), but the frozen rose ice cubes make the presentation.

Check out this recipe

The Cannes “Dream Team”

Tasha Powell

Tasha Powell is a food stylist and writer who specializes in working with celebrity chefs and leaders in the hospitality industry. She cooks and styles for monographs, cookbooks and Satellite Media Tours, working between North America and Europe. Take a look at her mouthwatering photos on Cooking with a French Twist. Since July 2020, she has offered themed Zoom cooking classes influenced by her travels in France and Morocco. Here are a few:

• Fusion Vegetarian Menu: Cheese Soufflé, Grilled Vegetable Kabobs, Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Lime Crème Fraiche & Floating Islands
• Fall in Provence: Carrot Soup, Seared Duck Breast and Chocolate & Pear Tarte
• 3-Course Gluten-Free Menu: Panisse, Grilled Shrimp & Chocolate Towers with Michelin Star plating techniques
• Food Styling Tips: Apéro Dînatoire, presentation & plating
• 4-Course Gluten-Free Menu: Cauliflower Steaks with Chimichurri Sauce, Zucchini Rollups, Roasted Leek Salad & Chocolate Lava Cakes, Michelin Star plating techniques
• Just Stuffed! Stuffed Aubergines, Tomatoes & Zucchini
• Provençal Cuisine: Baked Ratatouille Tian & Tarte du Soleil
• Add Sparkle, Shimmer, Silver and Gold to Your Culinary Presentations! By Lynn Neuberg of Easy Leaf Products and Chef Tasha Powell

Class listings can be found at Chef Tasha Events

Tasha also arranges culinary tours with Barbara Pitcher in Provence, France, in Marrakech, Morocco, in Sicily, Italy and in Parry Sound, Canada under Pitcher and Powell Cuisine and Culture.