Reading and comprehension

A SPOTLIGHT OVER CANNES

Created in 1939 as an alternative to the Fascist-influenced Venice Film Festival, Cannes has grown into one
of the most important annual meeting places for the international film industry. The September 1939 film
festival, of course, never happened because of the outbreak of World War II. The first festival took place
after the return of peace to France and to Europe. The Festival has been
held every year since 1946 (apart from 1948 and 1950, when financial
difficulties caused its cancellation). In its early years it took place in
September, but, from 1951, it has been held in May for approximately 12
days.

At first, the Festival was mainly a tourist and social event. A few hundred
participants attended the many parties organized in the palace hotels of
the Croisette and the luxurious villas of Cannes. Because of the great
increase in the number of participants and the new economic interests
involved, the Festival gradually became the annual meeting place of the
international film industry. In Cannes, the professionals could find a
unique opportunity to meet, to discuss future projects and do business
with partners from more and more countries. The first Cannes Market
opened its doors in 1960. There were ten participants and only one screen. It quickly became a major
meeting point for buyers and sellers in the movie industry from all over the world.
Thanks to the artistic quality of the films and their commercial impact, the Festival has gained in fame and
has become a major crossroads for the international film scene. The presentation of a film in Cannes
guarantees international publicity thanks to a high concentration of media. The Festival also reveals and
reflects the evolutions and styles in world cinema. The Palme d’Or (Golden Palm) was created in 1955. It is
the most prestigious prize at the Festival. There are two Palme d’Ors awarded each year - one for feature
film and another for best short film. Today about 5,000 journalists and photographers attend the Cannes
festival. The daily highlight at Cannes is the montée des marches, the stars’ climb up the steep stairs of the
Palais des Festivals for the screenings and awards. No wonder this international cinema event has such an
impact on the fashion and beauty industry. What are your favourite stars wearing on the Red Carpet?

Adapted from http://www.ukhotmovies.com/film-festivals/cannes-film-festival/

A. Read § 1(paragraph) and complete the table below. (6x2marks)

1. What?
2. Where?
3. First exhibition?
4. Cancelled?
5. 1951?
6. How long?
 B. Choose the best ending for each sentence according to the text. (2x6marks)

1. This document … 4. The Festival de Cannes …

a. is about the winners of the Festival a. only shows French films
b. is about a typical day at the Festival b. only shows European films
c. is about the Festival’s history c. shows international films
d. is about the jury of the 1939 Festival d. is only for short films

2. The Festival became international business because… 5. Since 1960…

a. the Hollywood film industry. a. there has been a supermarket in Cannes
b. it got more popular. b. Cannes has been a place to buy and sell films
c. of economic interests and growing popularity. c. Cannes has been by the sea
d. there are many actors coming. d. you can see films in the Market Square
3. The media helps… 6. The Golden Palm…
a. with free tickets. a. is a designer brand
b. as it brings publicity. b. is the award for the most beautiful dress
c. promoting film styles. c. is the award for the funniest film
d. by taking photographs. d. the highest award at the festival

C. Identify the synonyms on the text. (2x5 marks)

1. a social event at which people meet to celebrate something or to have fun by eating and drinking,
dancing, playing games etc
2. the best, most exciting, or most important part of something
3. very expensive and comfortable
4. technology platforms such as TV or newspaper that allow people to know what is happening around
us.
5. very special, unusual, or good

D. Read the text again and answer the questions: (2x5 marks)

6. Why is the festival a business opportunity?

7. What is the highpoint of the festival?

E. You were offered two tickets for the Cannes Festival. Write an email inviting a friend
to go with you. (Write 35-40 words) (10 marks)

Refer to:
o Departure/arrival dates;
o Mean of transport;
o Clothes;
o Important things to take

Language use: Vocabulary

F. Complete the theatre words. (1x12 marks)

1. They normally let the a__________ into the theatre 30 minutes before the show starts.
2. I loved the music, and the o__________ played beautifully.
3. We can get something to eat at the s__________ b__________ before the show.
4. If you want to know more about the actors in this play, read the p__________ .
5. There was a huge c__________ of people outside the theatre.
6. Some actors like working in films and TV, but many prefer performing live on s__________ .
7. You can buy tickets at the theatre's b__________ o__________, weeks before the show.
8. We had seats high up in the b__________ and could see everything perfectly.
9. The q__________ for tickets was so long, it took us three hours to buy them!
 Writing

G. Write about a show you have seen. (write ca. 100 words) (16 marks)

Here a scheme to help you.

Paragraph 1
Type of show
Where you saw it
Who you saw it with
Paragraph 2
Who starred in the show
Your favourite part
Paragraph 3
Your opinion about this event