In a statement published Thursday evening, the team of the Cannes Film Festival headed by delegate general Thierry Frémaux said postponing the prestigious festival from its scheduled May 12-23 dates, due to the coronavirus pandemic, is one of several options considered.

“As soon as the development of the French and international health situation will allow us to assess the real possibility, we will make our decision known, in accordance with our ongoing consultation with the French Government and Cannes City Hall as well as with the Festival's Board Members, Film industry professionals and all the partners of the event,” said the official statement. 

The 73rd Film Festival is to be presided over by US filmmaker Spike Lee.  Last time the Festival was ground to a halt half way through was during the French workers and students’ revolt of May 1968. 

Meanwhile the parallel Marché du Film which welcomed 12,500 participants last year, is to be held online - as a virtual standalone in case of the festival’s cancellation, or next to the physical venue, if the Cannes Festival does take place.

Accredited professionals will have access to the digital Cannes Market through Cinando’s technology, against a €185 fee. It will include screenings, video meetings and speed meetings. 

As for MIPTV, which was cancelled earlier this month, its online version MIPTV+ will be available for free to MIPTV, MIPDoc and MIPFormats 2020’s delegates starting March 30.

Buyers will be able to stream content selected for the MIPTV Drama Buyers Summit and MIPDoc Screening libraries. The pitching sessions of In Development, MIPDoc and MIPFormats, will also be streamed, together with conferences, Fresh TV and the Factual and Kids Content Showcases. 

Two Swedish series produced by Anagram have been selected for MIPTV: the Viaplay thriller series The Machinery to be sneak-previewed at the Drama Buyers Summit and the C More-TV4 political thriller Eight Months slated for In Development.