Cannes Blackout: Arson Suspected During Film Festival

Cannes Film Festival Shadowed by Power Outage: Arson Suspected A major power outage hit Cannes, France, on May 24, 2025, just hours before the prestigious 78th Cannes Film Festival's closing ceremony. The blackout plunged the city into darkness, causing widespread disruption to businesses and transportation. "It was a catastrophe," said one restaurant owner, describing the chaos as businesses were forced to close and tourists struggled to navigate the darkened streets. The lack of power also meant that many establishments couldn't accept card payments, relying solely on cash transactions. The power outage affected an estimated 160,000 households. French police are investigating the possibility of arson at a high-voltage substation in the nearby village of Tanneron as the primary cause. This act of vandalism caused significant economic losses for the region. Despite the challenges, organizers managed to switch to an alternative power source, ensuring the closing ceremony went ahead as planned. The event serves as a reminder of the city's resilience and the importance of robust infrastructure.