Page 59 of Rendez-Vous in Cannes
Italian, Japanese, English, Russian and, of course, French voices are everywhere, but few people are still wearing their Festival identity badges and I suspect many journalists and others on the fringe of the film industry have already left. Many of the stars who have stayed on for the presentation of the Palme d’Or tonight are spending the day in Monaco, being entertained and no doubt drinking vast amounts of champagne as they watch the Grand Prix.
Another hour and Cannes will be humming again with one last official blast from the festival organisers. The posh frocks and the famous red-soled Louboutins destined for the red carpet will be being slipped into and on, for the last ‘walking the walk’ up the famous red carpet to hear the announcements and watch the presentation of the ultimate accolade from a film festival – the Palme d’Or.
Speculation is rife as to who will win the Palme d’Or this year, as a clear favourite has failed to emerge during the festival. Whoever wins, though, is sure of at least one evening of maximum publicity and success at the box office – although that success is not always guaranteed if the winning film is deemed to be too arty by the general public.
Daisy pressed the save button as her mobile rang.
‘Hi, Nat. Was beginning to wonder where you were. Are you on your way down to meet me?’
‘Afraid not. I’m over on Saint-Honorat. It’s a long story, but Verity decided Cindy and I should spend the afternoon over here, out of earshot of the discussion she was planning to have with Teddy.’
‘About Anna?’
‘Yes. Look I’ll see you sometime this evening. Shall I come to the villa or will you be in town for the closing ceremony?’
‘Come to the villa. I’m planning to watch the Palme d’Or presentation on television. I’ve promised Poppy I’ll cook lasagne for supper tonight, so I’ll do enough for you.’
‘See you there then. Oh, gotta go. Cindy’s fallen over. Love you,’ and Nat was gone.
Daisy smiled as she switched off her phone, happy at hearing the genuine love in Nat’s voice. Opening her laptop again, she read through her report and started to write the last paragraphs.
As I write this, five or six helicopters are buzzing across the bay, bringing the stars back from Monte Carlo. The paparazzi still in town are forming their normal scrum at the foot of the Palais des Festival’s red-carpeted steps. Fans are taking their places behind barriers, hoping for one last close-up glimpse of a favourite star.
Once the presentation of the Palme d’Or has been made, the festival is officially over. Within hours, Cannes will start the process of reclaiming the streets and returning the town to its normal everyday life.
By midday tomorrow, as the marquees begin to be lowered and the huge transporter lorries trundle in and out of town, festival organisers will already be talking about plans for next year’s event. C’est la vie!
Daisy checked she’d saved the report ready for emailing later with details of the winning Palme d’Or film entered and switched off her laptop as a shadow fell across the table.
‘Seen the photos of the party I emailed over? They should have arrived on your computer by now,’ Marcus asked as he placed his cameras on the table and sat down. ‘Join me in a glass of wine to celebrate?’
‘Celebrate?’
‘The end of the festival and…’ he hesitated. ‘I’ve taken a photo of a couple of stars “in flagrante” that should earn me lots of money.’ He shook his head as Daisy looked at him. ‘Can’t tell you. Top secret, I’m afraid, for the next couple of days.’
‘Oh, okay,’ Daisy said. ‘I’ll look at the photos when I get back to the villa.’
‘I’ve mailed the rest over to Leo and Anna. Just thought you’d like to see the ones of you and Nat.’
‘Thanks. Any idea what you’re going to do when you get home? I know you’re freelance, but the paper put quite a bit of work your way, didn’t it?’
Marcus shrugged. ‘I’ve got a couple of short-term contracts for some glossy magazine shoots. I’ll see what happens after that.’ He patted his camera. ‘If this photo is the winner I think it’s going to be, I won’t have to worry for a few months anyway. So, how did you enjoy your first festival?’ Marcus asked.
‘It’s been great,’ Daisy said. ‘A real insight into another world. Not a world I’d like to live in permanently but fun to learn about.’
‘And, of course, you’ve met Nat.’
Daisy smiled. ‘Yes – I suppose I have you to thank for that.’
Marcus shrugged. ‘He’s a nice guy.’ He glanced at her. ‘If you feel you owe me for the introduction, you could—’
‘Marcus! Why should I “owe” you anything for introducing me to Nat? You almost derailed things at one point, if you remember.’
‘Yeah, sorry about that. Just thought you might be willing to share some information.’
‘Like?’
‘How much did you find out about Philippe Cambone’s long-lost son in the end?’
