Author: France 24

Once a year, movie fans from near and far flock to the French Riviera resort of Cannes to catch a glimpse of their favourite celluloid stars: real stars, in the flesh. They’ve always seemed larger than life – particularly on a big screen –but now, in the age of virtual reality, what exactly is real? These days, what still resonates as authentic in the make-believe world of cinema?

Paris Saint-Germain’s Moroccan right-back Achraf Hakimi has won the Marc-Vivien Foé Prize awarded by FRANCE 24 and RFI to the best African player in the French league.

As US President Donald Trump continues his diplomatic tour of Gulf states, he announced a flurry of business deals with Qatar, including a purchase order of up to 210 jets from Boeing by Qatar Airways.  The White House says the deal is worth 96 billion dollars and will create 1 million jobs in the US during their production and delivery. The announcement comes amid growing ourtrage over the president’s plan to accept a luxury Boeing 747 jumbo jet as a gift from the Qatari royal family. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday said French President Emmanuel Macron was siding with a “murderous Islamist terrorist organisation” after Macron accused Netanyahu’s government of “unacceptable” and “shameful” behaviour over its aid blockade on Gaza, in force since March 2.

Theo Croker, a Florida-born trumpet player, composer and producer, has a background in jazz but is known for pushing the boundaries of genres and mixing different musical styles. The Grammy-nominated artist tells FRANCE 24 that going “against the norm” and thinking “outside of a box or genre” were always part of his personality. His new album, “Dream Manifest”, which will be released in June, continues in this vein. He says the record gives listeners an “uplifting feeling to manifest your dreams”, but still contains a dark side. “We will definitely explore duality on this album,” he tells us in Perspective.…

World No.1 Italy’s Jannik Sinner advanced to the quarter-finals at the Italian Open in Rome with a straight-sets win over Argentine’s Francisco Cerúndolo. It was his third consecutive victory following a three-month doping ban.

PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, May 13: Papers discuss the trade deal agreed between the US and China. Where it is celebrated in the Chinese press, the American press is more critical. Also, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is coming under fire for his comments on immigration. Next, preparations are under way for the opening of the Cannes Film Festival, where a new dress code has been announced. Finally, The Times reports that pets provide us with more comfort than our partners.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday trumpeted major business deals with Saudi Arabia as he basked in a lavish royal welcome on the first state visit of his second term. Analysis by FRANCE 24 International Affairs Editor, Kethevane Gorjestani.

The 78th Cannes Film Festival opened Tuesday with expectations running high for what could be a banner edition. All of the ingredients — an absurd number of stars, top-tier filmmakers, political intrigue — seem to be lined up for the French Riviera spectacular. Over the next 12 days, Cannes will play host to megawatt premieres including those of “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” Spike Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest” and Ari Aster’s “Eddington.” Details by Emma Jones, film critic in Cannes.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner advanced to the round of 16 at the Italian Open in Rome with a straight-sets win over Jesper de Jong. It was his second consecutive victory following a three-month doping ban.