Origins and Early Years: The Cannes Film Festival traces its origins back to the aftermath of World War II when the French government sought to establish an international film festival to rival those of Venice and Berlin. In 1946, the first Cannes Film Festival was held, showcasing a diverse selection of films from around the world and drawing attention to the burgeoning French cinema industry. The inaugural festival featured renowned directors such as Alfred Hitchcock and Roberto Rossellini, setting the stage for decades of cinematic excellence to come.Evolution and Expansion: Throughout the decades, the Cannes Film Festival underwent numerous changes and expansions under the guidance of visionary leaders and dedicated organizers. In the 1970s, important shifts occurred in the festival’s leadership and programming, with Robert Favre Le Bret and Maurice Bessy introducing significant reforms to the selection process and jury composition. These changes opened the door to a wider range of films and filmmakers, including those facing censorship in their own countries.