Amidst the whirlwind of the Festival de Cannes, there are events that stand out as inevitable stops, attracting the most seasoned attendees.

One such hidden gem known only to insiders is the DPA Gifting Suites meticulously curated by its president Nathalie Dubois. Here, amidst the glitz of the Croisette, elite luxury brands gather from all corners of the globe, to showcase their most coveted creations to exclusive elite guests composed of celebrities and high-profile producers and filmmakers.

This year, among the VIP guests, was Emily Salveson, CEO of Streamline Global and the financial force behind over 80 American feature films, including the acclaimed “The Trial Of The Chicago 7” which received 6 Oscars® nominations including Best Picture and a Golden Globe win. 

Amidst the opulence of the suites, Emily indulged in a sensory experience, from the delicate taste of caviar by Nova Caviar to the aromatic scents of bespoke candles by Lothantique, stem cell treatments by HAAB Medical Group, and personalized perfumes created by Escentuelle especially inspired by Cannes’ French Riviera and the Academy Awards®. Emily was even offered a tan by Sunless Bronze so she could have a nice glow before her red carpet the following night at the Heart of Hollywood Gala, where she was awarded the Innovator Producer Award. 

One of the most memorable moments of her visit to the suite was when she discovered a soulful connection with the Hinomoto Foundation, a brand that pioneers businesses of artisans who continue to uphold Japan’s traditions and history. They deliver special products and experiences made in Japan to those seeking authenticity. “Hinomoto” means “Land of the Rising Sun”, which refers to Japan. While preserving the beautiful culture and traditions of Japan, they are also creating new cultures. As part of DPA, the foundation offered a unique experience to Emily by showing her items such as swords, fashion, and sake.

One of the Hinomoto’s experts allowed Emily to hold a meditation sword created by Japanese artisans. Emily had a transcendent moment when she grasped the energy of this ancient item. We could observe in her facial reaction that the sword had had an emotional impact on her. 

Reflecting on her spiritual experience, Emily shared: 

“The gifting suite was an incredible and memorable experience. It was a true honor to hold the sword of peace by Hinomoto from Japan . What a powerful and majestic piece of art. I’m humbled and grateful,” adds Emily Salveson.

In another suite, VIP guest Courtney Warner who was at the Festival to promote the movie she stars in, Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point, alongside Michael Cera, and which made the Official Selection of the Cannes Directors Fortnight.

“I had the pleasure to be invited to Nathalie Dubois ‘ DPA gifting suite. What stood out to me the most is the amazing NOVA caviar from Estonia that would probably have to be the best quality caviar I have ever had. It was also humbling to meet this beautiful French actress Héloïse Martin and listening to her story and receiving her book on top of it. Everyone is always so nice and honored to be invited.”

A few blocks away on the Croisette, inside the American Pavilion located in the International Village of the Marché du Film, the energy was high during the Ampav’s Emerging Filmmaker Showcase.

Each year, AmpAv celebrates LGBTQ+ culture at Cannes. Not only the Queer shorts program showcases a diversity of voices within this community but the highly anticipated Queer Night also brings together festival delegates of all orientations and countries for a night of sharing and dancing.

Queer Night is renowned for being the best, biggest, and only LGBTQ+ dance party tied to the Festival. It takes place after the first weekend of the market. Entry is free to ALL Festival and Marche’ badge holders. Laurent-Armand Lachance is a québécois who now lives in New England. He has been involved with the American Pavilion for over two decades. He is the special event manager and demonstrates so much enthusiasm for the Queer programming at AmPav.

“Our party is unique, embracing diversity and fostering acceptance, which people love. Respect is key, and everyone’s invited. Unlike other events driven by sponsorships, the AmPav ensures fair access by charging a small fee for accreditation, aiming to break even, rather than profit,” says Laurent-Armand Lachance. “This is truly an international pavilion, with staff not only from the United States but also from Canada, Mexico, Italy, and France; it feels like a big family. After 25 years, I still look forward to coming back to the AmPav every time.” he adds.

The Emerging LGBTQ+ Filmmaker Showcase, renowned for providing up-and-coming directors the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents at the Cannes Film Festival, had a highly successful awards evening on May 21st.

Eight international short films, spanning from American, Asian, and Latin queer subcultures, debuted to a panel full of enthusiastic viewers. Each film delved into a different angle of the LGBTQ+ experience from the unique perspectives of the filmmakers.

“For the past 10 years, we have had The American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker LGBTQ+ Showcase. Each year we receive more submissions and this year I’m excited about the eight short films spotlighting the diversity amongst the films and filmmakers we continue to showcase each year. This year’s Jury Award winning LGBTQ+ film, “El Paisa” directed by Daniel Eduvijes Carrera is a wonderful example of the diversity we present. This year’s American Pavilion Emerging LGBTQ+ Filmmaker Showcase was presented by Gold House who also presented an inaugural Cultural Impact Award,” says Monika Skerbelis, Director of the Emerging LGBTQ+ Filmmaker Showcase.

Reported by Patricia Chica & Ariadna Toledo.