Friday, May 2, 2025

Cannes 2025: Queer Palm Unveils Vibrant New Poster by Marie Rouge

 

As the Cannes Film Festival approaches its 78th edition, the Queer Palm—a prestigious award celebrating LGBTQIA+ cinema—has unveiled its 2025 poster, crafted by acclaimed French artist and photographer Marie Rouge. Known for her evocative imagery that blends cinematic aesthetics with emotional depth, Rouge brings a fresh yet timeless perspective to the festival’s visual identity this year.

Marie Rouge: The Artist Behind the Vision

Marie Rouge, who has risen to prominence through her work in fashion, editorial photography, and visual storytelling, is no stranger to capturing human emotion and cinematic ambiance. Her work often explores intimacy, memory, and identity through a lens that is both contemporary and nostalgic.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be entrusted with this year’s poster,” Rouge said in a statement.

Rouge is the latest in a line of artists and filmmakers invited by the festival to interpret its most emblematic symbol. Her selection reflects Cannes' ongoing commitment to celebrating not only cinematic excellence but also visual innovation across creative disciplines.

Celebrating 15 Years of the Queer Palm

Established in 2010, the Queer Palm honors films that explore LGBTQIA+ themes, feminist perspectives, or challenge gender norms within the Cannes Official Selection and its parallel sections. As the award celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2025, the new poster serves as a visual testament to its enduring mission.

Marie Rouge's design not only commemorates this milestone but also encapsulates the spirit of inclusivity and artistic expression that the Queer Palm represents.

Looking Ahead to Cannes 2025

The 78th Cannes Film Festival is set to take place from May 13 to May 24, 2025. With the unveiling of the new Queer Palm poster, anticipation builds for a festival that continues to champion diverse voices and groundbreaking cinema.

For more information on the Queer Palm and its initiatives, visit queerpalm.org.

Breathing New Life into Royal Walls: The Prince’s Palace Restoration Begins

 

The iconic Prince’s Palace of Monaco, a symbol of sovereignty and centuries-old heritage, has embarked on a major renovation project aimed at modernizing the royal residence while preserving its rich historical character. The extensive works come as part of a broader initiative to ensure the palace meets the evolving needs of the Princely Family and future generations.

A Historic Landmark Renewed

Built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress and transformed over centuries into a royal residence, the Prince’s Palace stands as a blend of medieval fortifications and refined Renaissance and Baroque architecture. While regular maintenance has preserved much of its structure and opulence, this latest renovation marks the most comprehensive overhaul in recent decades.

The renovation is not only structural but symbolic, reflecting a commitment by Prince Albert II to maintain Monaco’s cultural legacy while adapting to contemporary standards of living, security, and sustainability.

Scope of the Renovation

According to official sources from the Palace, the renovation covers multiple aspects:

  • Structural Reinforcements: Vital areas of the palace are being fortified to ensure seismic safety and long-term resilience, especially in light of new engineering standards.

  • Modernized Living Quarters: The residential areas for the Princely Family are being updated with modern amenities, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced comfort—without compromising the architectural integrity of the historic spaces.

  • Art Restoration: A team of experts is working meticulously to restore frescoes, tapestries, and antique furnishings, many of which date back to the reign of Prince HonorĂ© II.

  • Sustainable Technologies: Solar energy panels, improved water systems, and eco-conscious materials are being integrated into the palace’s infrastructure to align with Prince Albert’s strong environmental values.

  • Enhanced Security Systems: Upgraded security and surveillance measures are being discreetly incorporated to ensure the safety of the Princely Family and visiting dignitaries.

    Public Access and Tourism

    While certain areas of the palace are closed to the public during renovations, authorities have ensured that key attractions such as the State Apartments and the palace square remain accessible during peak tourist seasons. Guided tours have been adapted to include insights into the ongoing renovation, offering visitors a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the transformation.

    A Legacy for the Future

    In a statement, Prince Albert II expressed pride in the project, noting that "preserving the palace is preserving a part of Monaco’s soul. These renovations are not only about restoration—they are about progression, sustainability, and ensuring that the Prince’s Palace remains a vibrant seat of heritage and hospitality for the generations to come."

    The renovations are expected to be completed by late 2026, with a grand reopening planned to coincide with Monaco’s National Day festivities. As the works progress, the palace continues to stand as a symbol of continuity and change—bridging the past with the future under the stewardship of Monaco’s beloved royal family.