Representatives from the European Film industry gathered during the Cannes Film Festival to show their support for the upcoming European elections (6-9 June, 2024), reinforcing the importance of cinema in safeguarding democratic values in Europe and worldwide. 

Stephen Clark (Director for the European Parliament Liaison Offices), Mike Downey (Chairman, European Film Academy), Matthijs Wouter Knol (CEO and Director of the European Film Academy), actresses Alina Șerban, Anna Geislerová, Zar Amir Ebrahimi, actors Numan Acar and Directors Anna Hints and Teona Strugar Mitevska, actress and producer Labina Mitevska and President of Eurimages, Catherine Trautmann joined film industry representatives from across Europe to call upon citizens to use their vote in the European elections. The elections are set to be the largest exercise of direct democracy across the 27 EU Member States shaping the future of European democracy with an impact on the lives of 450 million Europeans.  
 

In Cannes, where every step on the red carpet is a statement, the luminaries embraced the breath-taking backdrop of the French Riviera to recognise the importance and significance of this key moment for Europe. 

The European Film Academy supports the non-partisan campaign of the European Parliament, designed to encourage citizens to stand up for democracy and use their vote. 
 

The relationship between democracy and film is significant and influential. Cinema thrives on the diversity of narratives and characters, just as democracy thrives on the diversity of its citizens. Film can shape and reflect the values of society, serving as a reflection of the world and driving social change. Influential figures from European cinema are coming together to engage their audiences and remind people of the importance of voting in the elections.  

The celebrities attending the activities organised in Cannes join a host of notable industry figures who have already registered their support for the ‘Use Your Vote’ campaign, including Oscar-nominated German actress Sandra Hüller and Oscar nominated German film director İlker Çatak, and the award-winning Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård.  

The European Film academy jointly with the European Parliament organised several events during the festival about the ‚Use your Vote‘ campaign.