TikTok is one of the top ten most popular social networks worldwide. The platform is based on creating short-form videos, generally around a popular song or sound. It has created and cultivated niche communities, one of them being #filmtok which has more than 4 billion views worldwide.
One way TikTok decided to grow was to be the official partner of the 75th Festival de Cannes. In its official announcement, TikTok said that “through this partnership, we are helping bring together creatives and cinematographers from around the world, giving creators an inside look at the Festival as it reaches new audiences”.
The decision comes as a bit of a shock, given that Cannes banned selfies during the festival in 2018.
Nevertheless, the Cannes chief Thierry Fremaux said in a statement “With this collaboration [with TikTok] – which is part of a desire to diversify the audience – we’re looking forward to sharing the most exciting and inspiring moments from the festival and seeing the festival reimagined through the lens of TikTok creators and its community”.
How does the partnership work?
The partnership sees TikTok financially supporting the festival, with Cannes providing backstage videos and red-carpet coverage to users.
It also includes a worldwide competition among creators of videos between 30 seconds and three minutes in length.
How can I participate in the competition?
All you have to do is publish a video publicly on your page using the hashtag #TikTokShortFilm which is 30 seconds to three minutes in length. The submission window for the contest opens March 15 and closes April 8 (a week from today, so hurry!), and TikTok Will announce the results on April 29.
What can you win?
All original submissions will be judged across three categories: Grand Prix, Best Script, and Best Editing.
Three winners will be selected by a jury to win a cash prize (10,000 euros for the Grand Prix, 5,000 euros for Best Script, and 5,000 euros for Best Editing) and a paid trip to the festival.
The awards will be handed out during the festival at an event attended by Canned chief Thierry Fremaux.
Who’s the jury that will choose the winners?
Rithy Pang, the BAFTA-nominated Cambodian filmmaker of “The Missing Picture” will preside over the international jury, which is comprised by: Basma Khalifa, the Sudanese multi-disciplinary creative; Camille Ducellier, the artist and filmmaker of “Bachi-Bouzouk”; Angele Diabang, the screenwriter and producer of “Un air de kora”; along with Khaby Lame, the Senegalese-born TikToker and content creator.
The jury was largely assembled by Éric Garandeau, the former president of the National Film Board (CNC) in France, who is now head of public affairs for TikTok in France. According to Variety, he played a key role in having the social media company get a partnership with the Cannes Film Festival.
Cannes 2022 will kick off on May 17. Don’t miss your chance to participate in the competition! Remember to publish your video before April 8!
