Cannes, France – Francis Ford Coppola unveiled his long-awaited sci-fi epic, “Megalopolis,” at the Cannes Film Festival to an enthusiastic audience. The film received a 10-minute standing ovation inside the Grand Lumiere Theatre, with Coppola embracing each member of his cast, including Nathalie Emmanuel, Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza, and Giancarlo Esposito, before throwing his hat into the cheering crowd.
During the premiere, Coppola took a moment to introduce his family, including his son, Roman Coppola, and sister, Talia Shire, both of whom contributed to the film. He mentioned how everyone involved in the project became like family, echoing a sentiment expressed by Driver’s character in the film that “we are all one family.”
In a heartfelt speech, the director dedicated the movie to hope and the children, emphasizing the importance of building a better world for future generations. The event leading up to the film’s debut was filled with anticipation and grandeur, starting with the announcement of an upcoming global theatrical release by Imax earlier that day.
As Coppola and his team made their way to the premiere accompanied by Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” the excitement continued to build. The atmosphere inside the theater was electric, with applause greeting each entrance, culminating in a massive ovation as Coppola took his place in the audience.
Notable guests at the premiere included “Challengers” star Mike Faist and composer Hans Zimmer, as well as actor Richard Gere, who shared a moment with Coppola before the screening. This marks Coppola’s return to Cannes after 45 years, with his last film, “Apocalypse Now,” receiving critical acclaim at the festival.
Despite facing challenges during production, including a significant investment of personal funds and technical difficulties, Coppola remained determined to see “Megalopolis” through to completion. The film’s reception at Cannes will be crucial, as distribution rights for European territories have already been secured, though a U.S. distributor is still pending.
Regardless of the outcome, Coppola’s commitment to his vision shines through in “Megalopolis,” a project that reflects his unwavering dedication to filmmaking. As described by critics, the film’s protagonist, played by Driver, embodies a sense of idealistic passion and visionary ambition, mirroring Coppola’s own relentless pursuit of artistic excellence.