The Cannes Film Festival — a name that once symbolized elite cinema, artistic brilliance, and cultural prestige. But today, the question arises: Is Cannes still about films or just another social media spectacle?

This year, the 78th edition of Cannes witnessed a growing crowd of influencers sharing the red carpet with filmmakers and actors. And among those voicing concern is Somy Ali, former Bollywood actress and now a humanitarian, who believes the festival has somewhere lost its soul.

It’s Not About Cinema Anymore—It’s About Showing Your Face”

In a brutally honest reflection, Somy Ali shares that Cannes has turned into a checkbox item for celebs and influencers alike.

She says, “It’s become every actor’s checklist that must be a part of their journey. It’s lost its very essence… Showing face and a selfie on the red carpet has taken priority over anything else that truly matters.”

This statement hits hard, especially coming from someone who’s been part of the industry and now works at the grassroots through her NGO, No More Tears.

The Social Media Trap: “The Gram Has Killed Everything Genuine”

Let’s face it. In today’s digital age, Instagram reels, selfies, and viral content often hold more value than genuine artistic effort. Somy puts it bluntly:

Lives revolve around selfies, including videos of atrocities. It’s a sad conundrum… Once the Gram facade gets boring, something else will devour us.

Her words bring out a scary yet undeniable reality—we’re living in a time where everything is curated for likes, even grief and creativity.

But She’s Realistic Too: “I Wouldn’t Say No If I Were Invited

What makes Somy’s opinion balanced and relatable is her honesty. She admits that she’d attend Cannes if invited.

Why would anyone want to miss out on an opportunity? These events become saturated… yet it’s a necessity to be present, she says.

This duality is what many of us feel—a pull between being authentic and staying visible in a world that thrives on digital presence.

So, What’s the Real Issue?

The problem isn’t attending Cannes or posting selfies. The problem lies in losing the meaning behind why these festivals exist in the first place.

Once a platform to celebrate cinema, Cannes now seems more like a playground for influencers, fashion brands, and red carpet moments that make headlines for all the wrong reasons.

And when someone like Somy Ali calls it out, it makes us all pause and think—what are we really celebrating anymore?

Final Thoughts: Are We Leaving Behind Meaning for Aesthetic?

In a world obsessed with image, it’s easy to forget what really matters—the craft, the stories, the struggle behind the scenes.

Somy Ali:

Somy Ali’s candid observations act as a much-needed reality check. As she rightly points out, “When vulnerability is lacking so intensely amongst the entire population, it’s a scary world for all of us.”

So next time you scroll past another red carpet selfie, maybe ask yourself:
Is this about art, or just another filtered moment in a curated feed?