Cannes Film Festival B2

This is a free B2 upper-intermediate level English reading lesson about Cannes Film Festival. It includes the reading and reading comprehension exercises in 3 different formats together with the answer keys and explanations.

True/False questions
Multiple choice questions
Short answer questions

Cannes Film Festival

Each year, the city of Cannes becomes a hub for the film industry. Filmmakers, actors, and critics gather here to celebrate the art of cinema. The Cannes Film Festival is renowned for its exclusivity and prestige. It was first held in 1946 and has grown to be one of the world’s most famous film festivals. During the festival, the Promenade de la Croisette buzzes with activity as stars walk the red carpet.

For twelve days in May, the festival showcases films of all genres. The films are divided into different categories, such as feature films and documentaries. A selection committee chooses the films that will be shown. They look for excellence and innovation to represent the best in the industry. The most anticipated event is the awarding of the Palme d’Or. This award is given to the director of the best feature film of the competition. Winning the Palme d’Or can bring a filmmaker global recognition.

But the festival is not just about the glitz and glam. It also focuses on issues within the industry. Panels and workshops run alongside the screenings. They address topics like diversity and the role of women in film. These discussions can influence the future of filmmaking. The festival also includes a market where deals are made. Producers, distributors, and financiers come together to buy and sell films. This market is crucial for the business side of cinema.

To attend the festival, one must be invited or have professional reasons to be there. The public can enjoy some screenings, but many events are closed to them. The festival’s strict access adds to its allure among cinephiles. Film lovers from around the world dream of walking up the famous steps. Indeed, the festival is as much about the movies as it is about the experience. It remains a week where legends are made, and film history is written.

Text Analysis

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CEFR Level Card

General Level: B2.1

Vocabulary: B2.8

Verb Form: A2.9

Clause: B1.0

Wordlist

allure NOUN C2 1

Definition (En):

the power to entice or attract through personal charm

anticipated ADJ +∞ 1

Definition (En):

expected hopefully

buzz VERB C2 1

Definition (En):

sound of rapid vibration
n. a confusion of activity and gossip
v. make a buzzing sound
v. fly low

excellence NOUN C1 1

Definition (En):

the quality of excelling; possessing good qualities in high degree
n. an outstanding feature; something in which something or someone excels

filmmaker NOUN +∞ 2

Definition (En):

n a producer of motion pictures

financier NOUN C2 1

Definition (En):

a person skilled in large scale financial transactions
v. conduct financial operations, often in an unethical manner

glitz NOUN C2 1

Definition (En):

n tasteless showiness

hub NOUN C1 1

Definition (En):

the central part of a car wheel (or fan or propeller etc) through which the shaft or axle passes
n. a center of activity or interest or commerce or transportation; a focal point around which events revolve

prestige NOUN C1 1

Definition (En):

a high standing achieved through success or influence or wealth etc.

Phrases and Idioms

Lemma	Sentences
add to (something)	· The festival’s strict access adds to its allure among cinephiles.
as it is	· Indeed, the festival is as much about the movies as it is about the experience.
buzz with (something)	· During the festival, the Promenade de la Croisette buzzes with activity as stars walk the red carpet.
come together	· Producers, distributors, and financiers come together to buy and sell films.
dream of (someone or something)	· Film lovers from around the world dream of walking up the famous steps.
focus on (someone or something)	· It also focuses on issues within the industry.
hold something in	· It was first held in 1946 and has grown to be one of the world’s most famous film festivals.
just about	· But the festival is not just about the glitz and glam.
look for (someone or something)	· They look for excellence and innovation to represent the best in the industry.
represent (someone or something) in (something)	· They look for excellence and innovation to represent the best in the industry.
such as	· The films are divided into different categories, such as feature films and documentaries.
the red carpet	· During the festival, the Promenade de la Croisette buzzes with activity as stars walk the red carpet.
walk up	· Film lovers from around the world dream of walking up the famous steps.

True / False / Not Given

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True / False / Not Given

The city of Cannes is transformed into a central location for the movie industry yearly.

The Cannes Film Festival started in the late 1900s.

Only feature films are judged and awarded at the Cannes Film Festival.

A group of experts picks movies to display at the festival based on their originality and quality.

Winning the Palme d’Or ensures that a filmmaker will attain widespread fame.

The festival also functions as a platform to discuss problems and changes needed in the movie industry.

Every movie shown at the festival is available for sale in the market section.

Being a movie enthusiast is sufficient reason to be granted access to all Cannes festival events.

The Cannes Film Festival is just as famous for its events as for the films that are shown.

The Cannes Film Festival occurs over a period of nearly two weeks.

Multiple Choice

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Multiple Choice

1) Why is the Cannes Film Festival considered exclusive and prestigious?

a) Because it allows everyone to attend.

b) Because it features films from a single genre.

c) Because it is held every week.

d) Because it has a long history and is known globally.

2) Which event do filmmakers most look forward to at the Cannes Film Festival?

a) The opening of the market.

b) The awarding of the Palme d’Or.

c) The public screenings.

d) The announcement of the selection committee.

3) What is the role of the selection committee at the Cannes Film Festival?

a) To schedule the screenings during the festival.

b) To give out the awards to winners.

c) To choose the films that will be shown.

d) To organize the gala events on the red carpet.

4) Why is winning the Palme d’Or significant for a filmmaker?

a) It assures financial success of the film.

b) It guarantees a role in future films.

c) It brings global recognition to the filmmaker.

d) It grants access to exclusive industry events.

5) Apart from showcasing films, what other function does the Cannes Film Festival serve?

a) It is a platform for international politics.

b) It provides a marketplace for film deals.

c) It hosts sporting events.

d) It offers holiday packages to tourists.

6) What types of discussions take place at the Cannes Film Festival alongside screenings?

a) Conversations about the best hotels in Cannes.

b) Discussions on issues like diversity and women in film.

c) Debates on culinary arts.

d) Dialogues regarding the best fashion on the red carpet.

7) How do the discussions at the Cannes Film Festival potentially impact the film industry?

a) They settle financial disputes between companies.

b) They influence the future of filmmaking.

c) They determine which films will be selected for the next year.

d) They change the location of the festival.

8) What makes the Cannes Film Festival alluring to film lovers globally?

a) The chance to win cash prizes.

b) The opportunity to purchase film memorabilia.

c) The dream of walking up the famous steps.

d) The availability of public events all year round.

9) Who primarily attends the Cannes Film Festival?

a) Anyone who can purchase a ticket.

b) Only film actors and directors.

c) Individuals with invitations or professional reasons.

d) Local residents of Cannes.

10) How does the festival impact the legacy of films and filmmakers?

a) It confirms their retirement plans.

b) It diminishes their public image.

c) It reduces their chances of collaboration.

d) It is a week where legends are made and film history is written.

Short Answer Questions

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Short Answer Questions

What makes the Cannes Film Festival stand out in the film industry?

When was the first Cannes Film Festival held?

What is the significance of winning the Palme d’Or?

What criteria does the selection committee use to choose films for the festival?

What types of discussions take place during the festival?

Who can attend the festival?

What aspect of the Cannes Film Festival contributes to its appeal among film enthusiasts?

What role does the market at the festival play for cinema?

What is the primary focus of the Cannes Film Festival besides the celebration of films?

What is the duration of the Cannes Film Festival?

Answer Key

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True / False Answers

Answer: True

Explanation: The phrase ‘becomes a hub for’ signifies being transformed into a central location.

Answer location: “Each year, the city of Cannes becomes a hub for the film industry.”

Answer: False

Explanation: The statement is false because 1946 is considered the mid-20th century, not the late 1900s.

Answer location: “It was first held in 1946”

Answer: False

Explanation: Since films are divided into categories including documentaries, it’s not only feature films that are judged.

Answer location: “The films are divided into different categories, such as feature films and documentaries.”

Answer: True

Explanation: ‘Excellence and innovation’ can be interpreted as originality and quality.

Answer location: “A selection committee chooses the films that will be shown. They look for excellence and innovation…”

Answer: True

Explanation: Global recognition equates to widespread fame.

Answer location: “Winning the Palme d’Or can bring a filmmaker global recognition.”

Answer: True

Explanation: Discussing problems and changes needed is the focus of issues within the industry.

Answer location: “It also focuses on issues within the industry. Panels and workshops run alongside the screenings.”

Answer: Not given

Explanation: The text does not specify whether every movie shown is available for sale.

Answer location: “N/A”

Answer: False

Explanation: Being a movie enthusiast does not automatically provide access to all events, as invitations or professional reasons are required.

Answer location: “To attend the festival, one must be invited or have professional reasons to be there.”

Answer: True

Explanation: The text states that the festival is about both the movies and the experience, indicating fame for its events.

Answer location: “Indeed, the festival is as much about the movies as it is about the experience.”

10.

Answer: True

Explanation: Twelve days is close to two weeks, hence the statement is true.

Answer location: “For twelve days in May, the festival showcases films…”

Multiple Choice Answers

Answer: D

Explanation: The phrase ‘renowned for its exclusivity and prestige’ indicates that the festival is exclusive and prestigious due to its recognition and not because it occurs weekly, focuses on one genre, or is open to everyone.

Answer location: “The Cannes Film Festival is renowned for its exclusivity and prestige.”

Answer: B

Explanation: The text specifies that ‘the most anticipated event is the awarding of the Palme d’Or’, which is given to the director of the best feature film.

Answer location: “The most anticipated event is the awarding of the Palme d’Or.”

Answer: C

Explanation: According to the text, it’s the selection committee’s job to ‘choose the films that will be shown’, not to schedule screenings, hand out awards, or organize gala events.

Answer location: “A selection committee chooses the films that will be shown.”

Answer: C

Explanation: The text indicates that ‘Winning the Palme d’Or can bring a filmmaker global recognition’, suggesting the importance of the award in establishing a filmmaker’s reputation on the world stage, rather than guaranteeing financial success, securing future roles, or granting access to events.

Answer location: “Winning the Palme d’Or can bring a filmmaker global recognition.”

Answer: B

Explanation: The text explains that ‘the festival also includes a market where deals are made’, signifying its role as a business hub for the film industry, not a platform for politics, sports, or tourism.

Answer location: “The festival also includes a market where deals are made.”

Answer: B

Explanation: The text indicates that ‘panels and workshops’ run alongside the screenings and specifically ‘address topics like diversity and the role of women in film’, not hospitality, culinary arts, or fashion.

Answer location: “They address topics like diversity and the role of women in film.”

Answer: B

Explanation: The statement ‘These discussions can influence the future of filmmaking’ from the text implies that the conversations can have an impact on the direction of filmmaking, not on financial disputes, future selections, or the festival’s location.

Answer location: “These discussions can influence the future of filmmaking.”

Answer: C

Explanation: The allure mentioned in the text refers to ‘film lovers from around the world dream of walking up the famous steps’, not winning money, buying memorabilia, or attending year-round public events.

Answer location: “Film lovers from around the world dream of walking up the famous steps.”

Answer: C

Explanation: The text specifies ‘To attend the festival, one must be invited or have professional reasons to be there’, indicating it’s not open to all ticket buyers, exclusively to actors and directors, or restricted to local residents.

Answer location: “To attend the festival, one must be invited or have professional reasons to be there.”

10.

Answer: D

Explanation: The text concludes that the festival is significant because ‘it remains a week where legends are made, and film history is written’, emphasizing its lasting impact on the legacies of films and filmmakers, rather than confirming retirements, harming reputations, or reducing collaboration opportunities.

Answer location: “It remains a week where legends are made, and film history is written.”

Short Answer Answers

Answer: Its exclusivity and prestige.

Explanation: The phrase ‘renowned for its exclusivity and prestige’ indicates the festival’s distinctive features.

Answer location: “The Cannes Film Festival is renowned for its exclusivity and prestige.”

Answer: 1946.

Explanation: The text provides the year the first Cannes Film Festival was held.

Answer location: “It was first held in 1946”

Answer: It can bring a filmmaker global recognition.

Explanation: The text explains that receiving the Palme d’Or is desirable because it can lead to worldwide recognition for the filmmaker.

Answer location: “Winning the Palme d’Or can bring a filmmaker global recognition.”

Answer: Excellence and innovation.

Explanation: The text states the committee selects films based on ‘excellence and innovation’ to represent the industry’s best.

Answer location: “They look for excellence and innovation to represent the best in the industry.”

Answer: Diversity and the role of women in film.

Explanation: The text lists ‘diversity and the role of women in film’ as topics of discussions at panels and workshops.

Answer location: “They address topics like diversity and the role of women in film.”

Answer: Invited individuals or those with professional reasons.

Explanation: The text explains that attendees need to either be invited or have professional reasons for attending.

Answer location: “To attend the festival, one must be invited or have professional reasons to be there.”

Answer: The strict access.

Explanation: The text indicates that the strict access to the festival adds to its attractiveness to movie lovers.

Answer location: “The festival’s strict access adds to its allure among cinephiles.”

Answer: It is crucial for the business side of cinema.

Explanation: The text describes the market at the festival as essential for the business aspects, such as buying and selling films.

Answer location: “This market is crucial for the business side of cinema.”

Answer: Industry issues.

Explanation: The text specifies that in addition to honoring movies, the festival also pays attention to industry issues.

Answer location: “But the festival is not just about the glitz and glam. It also focuses on issues within the industry.”

10.

Answer: Twelve days.

Explanation: The text tells us that the festival lasts for twelve days.

Answer location: “For twelve days in May, the festival showcases films of all genres.”

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