French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday that the country's ban on large-scale gatherings and events will be extended until mid-July, forcing the Cannes Film Festival to postpone again.

One day later, the organizers of the film festival published an official statement on its official website, saying that "the 73rd International Cannes Film Festival, initially considered for the end of June to the beginning of July, is no longer an option."

"It is clearly difficult to assume that the Festival de Cannes could be held this year in its original form."

The statement said that since the Cannes Film Festival is an essential pillar for the film industry, the organizers "must explore all contingencies allowing to support the year of Cinema by making Cannes 2020 real, in a way or another." But it has not mentioned in what way the festival will be organized.

In Italy, the 77th Venice Film Festival due to be held from September 2 – 12, has not yet announced any change in its schedule, despite that Italy is among one of the badly hit countries by the COVID-19.

Around mid-March, Variety reported that a spokesperson insisted the event would be held on time, since "that period is being considered outside the crisis." But he also added that under such circumstances, there could be no certainty, and said that they will monitor the situation closely.

The statement said that since the Cannes Film Festival is an essential pillar for the film industry, the organizers "must explore all contingencies allowing to support the year of Cinema by making Cannes 2020 real, in a way or another." But it has not mentioned in what way the festival will be organized.

In Italy, the 77th Venice Film Festival due to be held from September 2 – 12, has not yet announced any change in its schedule, despite that Italy is among one of the badly hit countries by the COVID-19.

Around mid-March, Variety reported that a spokesperson insisted the event would be held on time, since "that period is being considered outside the crisis." But he also added that under such circumstances, there could be no certainty, and said that they will monitor the situation closely.

Back in China, Chinese director Jia Zhangke on Tuesday told the press that the Pingyao International Film Festival, set to kick off on October 10, will be held on time.

Jia said that the film festival is now progressing smoothly, with curation, design, and film selection well underway. He said that the postponement of the Cannes Film Festival and cancellation of slated films will not affect the Pingyao event, saying that they will not lean too much on the international film festivals too much.

The festival, launched by Jia Zhangke in his hometown in Shanxi Province, and the land that inspired most of his films, is to celebrate its fourth anniversary this year, if it could be held on time.

On the other hand, the 10th Beijing International Film Festival announced the postponement in early March. The annual event was usually held at the second half of April, and last for around a week. 

The 23rd Shanghai International Film Festival, scheduled to be held on June 13 – 22, has not issued any notice of postponement. But in 2003, the event was canceled due to the SARS outbreak.

Since January 24, cinemas across China have remained closed for nearly three months. A number of films, originally set for release during the Spring Festival holiday, withdrew a day ahead of hitting the screens.

China has recently announced that areas for large-scale gatherings, such as theaters, cinemas, exhibitions and sports events will remain closed until further notice. 

Cover image: File photo of VCG.