This is a vivid and engaging memoir from one of cinema’s most influential figures. Drawing on more than half a century at the heart of world cinema, Jacob—longtime General Delegate and later President of the Cannes Film Festival—recounts his remarkable journey from a passionate young cinephile to the driving force behind the globe’s most prestigious film event.
With refreshing honesty and a deep love for film, he offers behind-the-scenes insights into the festival’s inner workings, from film selections and jury deliberations to encounters with legendary directors and stars who have graced the Croisette. Filled with personal anecdotes and reflections on cinema’s evolution, this charming autobiography gives readers an intimate portrait of the man known as “Citizen Cannes” and a unique perspective on the glamour and complexity of the Festival de Cannes.
The book is highly relevant today because it speaks directly to ongoing conversations about cultural leadership, artistic gatekeeping, and the global power of film festivals.
Through his reflections, Gilles Jacob reveals how curatorial choices, institutional values, and personal conviction can shape not just a festival but the trajectory of world cinema itself. At a time when the film industry is being reshaped by streaming platforms, shifting audience habits, and debates over representation and artistic freedom, Jacob’s account offers valuable historical perspective on how Cannes adapted to change while defending cinema as an art form.
The book also resonates beyond film: it is a case study in cultural stewardship, showing how vision, diplomacy, and risk-taking can sustain relevance across decades. For readers today—cinephiles, creatives, and cultural leaders alike—it provides context for understanding why Cannes still matters, and how cultural institutions can evolve without losing their soul.
