The Opening Film of the 79th Cannes Film Festival: Pierre Salvadori’s “La Venus Électrique”

A romantic comedy set in Paris in 1928, it was one of the most talked-about films at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, bringing together director Pierre Salvadori with top French stars.

On May 12, 2026, the latest creation by French cinema master Pierre Salvadori, “La Venus Électrique,” was officially and strikingly selected as the opening film of the “79th Cannes Film Festival,” drawing significant global attention. The film will have its world premiere at the Lumière Grand Theatre immediately following the opening ceremony, hosted by actor Eye Haïdara. At the same time, the film has secured theatrical releases throughout France, heightening anticipation among international audiences.

With 34 years in the film industry, director Salvadori presents his 11th feature and his first period drama. Set meticulously in 1920s Paris, the film vividly revives the essence of the “Roaring Twenties”—an era where deception and showmanship, along with mass entertainment and the occult, were intertwined. His signature freewheeling storytelling and sharp comic instincts are prominently displayed, as the director brings the crisp craftsmanship of classic Hollywood comedy into a modern context.

“La Venus Électrique” is set in 1928 Paris, illustrating the uncanny yet destined encounter between a painter on the brink of death and a destitute member of a traveling troupe. The city’s renowned painter, Antoine Balastreau, who has lost his beloved wife and fallen into despair, breaks his brush and tries to contact his late wife through a medium. However, he becomes entangled with a con artist, Suzanne, who sneaks in to steal food, leading to an unexpected disaster and igniting a burst of creativity. What starts as a fragile, scam-driven connection gradually blossoms into artistic inspiration and an overwhelming love, captivating audiences with high-stakes drama.

A star-studded cast that propels contemporary French cinema is a must-see for many reasons. A flawless ensemble takes over the screen with Cannes-favored leading actors, including Pio Marmai, Anaïs Demoustier, and Gilles Lellouche. Production is managed by the renowned company Les Films Pelléas, and the film opens Cannes in a way that promises to illuminate the festival’s night on May 12, 2026.