CANNES, France (AP) – Coming six months after November’s attacks in Paris, the 69th Cannes Film Festival has elevated security measures, swarming the French Riviera resort town with an increased police presence.
But particular care has been made, festival organizers say, to preserving the spirit of the annual cinema celebration.
Bomb sweeps and bag checks have been stepped up. A dramatic, chilling drill was held last month in which mock gunmen stormed the festival’s palace hub.
And festival president Pierre Lescure has said that around 500 highly-trained security agents will be on guard around Cannes’ red-carpeted headquarters, the Palais des Festivals.
But the festival, which opens Wednesday, has also sought to counter the heightened state by continuing with business as usual. The party will most definitely go on.