The Cannes Film Festival this year not just brought actors, filmmakers, and the global film industry together, but also brought many well-known social media content creators to the event. After Aishwarya Rai, Sara Ali Khan, Vijay Varma, Mrunal Thakur, and Urvashi Rautela, among others, we also saw several popular Indian influencers walk the coveted red carpet.
From Dolly Singh to Kusha Kapila, Ruhee Dosani, Masoom Minawala, Niharika NM, and Ranveer Allahbadia, a host of these social media personalities was at the event representing some or the other brand.
While most of them were delighted to make their debut at the biggest international film festival, a lot of people questioned ‘What was the point of having influencers at the film fest when they have nothing to do with films?’
A media house also said that the film fest has become a massy event from a classy one.
This debate also made its place on Twitter. Reflecting the emotions of many people, Journalist Tanushree Panday took to Twitter and questioned the presence of these influencers at Cannes. She wrote:
“What is Dolly Singh, Kusha Kapila, Beer Biceps’s contribution to CINEMA? Why are they being taken to #CannesFilmFestival2023 & interviewed by @BrutIndia? Where are we headed with this absurdity? “Influencers” taking over real art, talent, and hard work in this country is SHAME!”
The chatter is so loud and alarming that one among these ‘influencers’ decided to address the elephant in the room. Responding to Tanushree’s tweet, Kusha Kapila clarified that Cannes is a public festival that anyone can buy tickets to and attend.
Ma’am, I shan’t attend Cannes from next year if it upsets you so much which btw is a public festival that anyone can buy tickets to and attend, including you but I definitely don’t appreciate you invalidating my career of five years as a creator that I have built without any
— Kusha Kapila (@KushaKapila) May 24, 2023
Taking offense to Tanushree ‘invalidating’ her career of five years as a creator, Kusha further wrote:
“I have built (my career) without any background in entertainment and solely by writing, performing and editing my own videos. I have worked various jobs over the course of 12 years of my professional life to be where I am today so I don’t appreciate you invalidating my hard work either.”
background in entertainment and solely by writing, performing and editing my own videos. I have worked various jobs over the course of 12 years of my professional life to be where I am today so I don’t appreciate you invalidating my hard work either. I want to be an actor and
— Kusha Kapila (@KushaKapila) May 24, 2023
She further divulged that she wants to become an actor, hence, won’t refuse any opportunity to watch films, attend screenings, and network with filmmakers.
“I want to be an actor and will not refuse an opportunity to watch films, attend screenings and network with filmmakers. I also didn’t go with Brut so please do correct that information – a basic hygiene check you should have done. I am open to feedback but not to complete disregard of my existence.”
will not refuse an opportunity to watch films, attend screenings and network with filmmakers. I also didn’t go with Brut so please do correct that information – a basic hygiene check you should have done. I am open to feedback but not to complete disregard of my existence.
— Kusha Kapila (@KushaKapila) May 24, 2023
Earlier, actor and filmmaker Nandita Das took a dig at Indian celebs and said that Cannes is a festival of films and not of clothes.
Now, actor Richa Chadha has shared her two cents on the Cannes fashion vs film debate and influencers being slammed for attending the film fest.
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Taking to her Instagram stories on Wednesday, the ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ actor had written:
“There’s a lot of chatter on social media about Cannes, Fashion, film, etc. Just wanna say, don’t shit on anyone, please.”
“People are excited to be here, I notice the ones that are thanking brands/designers/ alcohol labels that are bringing their influencers here. It’s a great venue for marketing no? Let them be. You will notice most people say they’re at the red carpet but won’t specify the film. Well, they’re not here with a film or for a film.”
Richa attended the Cannes Film Festival in 2015 when her film ‘Masaan’ was screened at the festival. Moreover, the film also received a long-standing ovation upon its screening at the biggest film festival. Talking about how overwhelming it was, she wrote:
“Having said that, should you be so lucky to get to work on a film that ends up at Festival De Cannes. It’s the best feeling in the world. It’s after all a FILM FESTIVAL, no matter what anyone says. And as an artist, there’s no greater joy and contentment than a 7 min long-standing at the Grand Palais. It was overwhelming.”
Many social media influencers have also spoken about their association with the fest and why and who invited them. What do you have to say about this? Let us know.