Blink:

Over the weekend I reviewed in depth McKinsey & Company’s global consumer survey in the midst of COVID-19. The results regarding economic recovery varied greatly. Then I thought about my home city, luxurious Cannes and the potential unprecedented cancellation of the 73^rd annual Cannes Film Festival.

Read On:

Before analyzing the economic impact on the film industry, detailed below is a list I drafted of businesses and individuals (a.k.a. festival ecosystem) that would suffer a staggering financial hit:

• Transportation to and from the festival – airlines, taxis, limo services, Uber, etc.
• Lodging – premium hotels, luxurious villa rentals equipped with staff and swimming pools, Airbnb and budget hotels.
• Furloughed hotel staff (e.g., front desk guest assistants, bellman, room service, etc.) and housekeeping, as well as all the supporting sustainable housekeeping businesses – cleaning equipment/materials like laundry detergents, toiletries, etc.
• Restaurants and bars in Cannes plus surrounding areas; La Napoule, Mougins and Juan les Pins.
• Local transportation to and from events – taxis, Uber, limousines, luxury car rentals, mopeds, bicycle rentals, etc.
• Maintenance staff, carpenters and electricians at Palais des Festivals et des Congrès where the films are screened.
• Tourism related jobs – hostesses at Office of Tourism, tour guides, etc.
• Catering.
• Yacht rentals.
• The event companies responsible for setting up film billboards and banners along the Boulevard Croisette.
• Beach businesses – chair rentals, towels, etc.
• Independent beach vendors selling sunglasses, hats, visors, candied nuts, etc.
• Sun tan lotion.
• Hairdressers, makeup artists and all the businesses that supply them with products.
• Luxury retail shops.
• City of Cannes and film festival souvenirs/mementos.
• Landscaping/gardening services that prune the palm trees and plant flower beds along the Boulevard Croisette.
• Security.
• Paparazzi.
• Illegal substances, sex workers.
• Service gratuities!

I hope I witness first-hand the 73^rd annual Cannes Film Festival.