Sat May 24 13:19:55 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Power Restored to Cannes After Suspected Arson Attack Disrupts Film Festival’s Closing Day**
**CANNES, FRANCE** – A massive power outage struck the Alpes-Maritimes region of southern France, including Cannes, on Saturday, just hours before the closing ceremony of the prestigious 78th Cannes Film Festival. Authorities are investigating a suspected arson attack as the likely cause of the blackout, which affected approximately 160,000 homes.
The outage, which began shortly after 10:00 AM local time (08:00 GMT), was reportedly triggered by an overnight fire at a high-voltage substation in the village of Tanneron, a key power source for Cannes. Police sources indicate the fire was likely deliberate. Further investigation revealed that both the Tanneron power substation and an electricity pylon in Villeneuve-Loubet had been vandalized overnight.
“We are looking into the likelihood of a fire being started deliberately,” stated a spokesperson for the French national gendarmerie, adding that no arrests have been made at this time.
The power outage disrupted traffic, forced businesses to close, and threatened to derail the festival’s closing events. However, festival organizers quickly switched to an alternative power supply, ensuring that the awards ceremony at the Palais des Festivals would proceed as planned.
Power was fully restored around 3:00 PM local time (13:00 GMT), prompting cheers from relieved residents.
This incident follows separate power outages that affected the Iberian Peninsula and parts of southern France earlier in the week. While officials denied foul play in those instances, the timing of the Cannes outage has raised concerns.
The 78th Cannes Film Festival has been marked by politically charged discussions surrounding the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza, and the upcoming US Presidential election. The closing ceremony, led by a jury presided over by French actor Juliette Binoche, is set to award the coveted Palme d’Or among 22 competing films.
First Piper 