For Kannada actor and filmmaker Iti Acharya, Cannes has become much more than an annual glamorous appearance. Attending the festival for the fifth time this year, she says the experience continues to evolve, challenging and teaching her something new every time.
"Every year I go thinking I know everything, but Cannes always surprises me," she says with a laugh. "Now I know where to go, whom to meet and what exactly I need to do. Earlier, I would spend almost 20 days there, but now I go only for a few days. Even then, it remains chaotic and challenging."
Triya at Cannes Market
This year, Iti took her film Triya to the Cannes market in search of international collaborators. "The project is still in its early stages, but thankfully I found people from the US and Europe who are now associated with it. The film explores the life of the modern Indian woman—educated and ambitious, yet deeply rooted in tradition. It reflects the emotional conflicts women navigate and also addresses the growing violence against women," she says.
The Real Cannes Experience
Acharya also spoke about the misconceptions surrounding Cannes and its famed red carpet. "There's a lot of confusion about what constitutes an actual red carpet appearance and what is simply a screening. The gala premieres are extremely strict. Once you step onto the carpet, there's no turning back. You can't stop for selfies or even take your phone out. People see the glamour, but behind it there is discipline, pressure and a great deal of professionalism," she explains.
Sandalwood Needs to Leverage Cannes Better
Speaking about the growing Kannada presence at Cannes, Iti says it is encouraging to see more Sandalwood names gaining international visibility. "For years, I've been telling people from our industry to attend the festival and explore opportunities. Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam cinema already enjoy strong international awareness, but Kannada cinema still needs greater visibility," she says.
She believes platforms such as Cannes can create meaningful opportunities for Kannada filmmakers if approached strategically. "We have beautiful stories and immensely talented filmmakers. What we need is better funding and stronger global connections. Cannes is not just about photographs and appearances. It's a place where films can genuinely find a global future," she points out.
