Cannes Film Festival events in jeopardy

Staff working at Cannes, one of the world's most prestigious film festivals, have called for a strike one week before the event's opening.

Members of the collective Sous les Ecrans la Deche ("Poverty Behind the Screens") stated that they want to draw attention to wages and working conditions that they claim have long gone unanswered.

'DISRUPTIONS MAY OCCUR'

A spokesperson, stating that they do not intend to cause a major disruption, told AFP, "The strike will not risk the opening of the festival, but there may be disruptions while it continues."

The group, which claims to represent approximately 100 workers including projectionists, programmers, press representatives, and ticket sellers, said, "Most of us will be forced to stop working, which will put the events in jeopardy."

These individuals, who work on short-term contracts, are not covered by the unemployment insurance scheme for freelance artists and technicians in France's cultural sector that tops up salaries to the minimum wage.

40 THOUSAND PEOPLE ATTEND EVERY YEAR

The festival, which will be held in France's Cote d'Azur region between May 14-25 this year, attracts approximately 40 thousand people annually.

Important names such as Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, and Meryl Streep are expected to attend the festival.

News Source: 12punto