Reminiscences of the Cannes Film Festival's Prime Time Are Illustrated in a Fresh Photographic Compilation
Fresh Rewrite:
Taking a Walkdown Cannes with Derek Ridgers
Stepping foot in Cannes for the first time in 1984, for NME, photographer Derek Ridgers encountered a whirlwind of glamour, chaos, and photo ops aplenty. He found himself in the midst of the annual film festival's circus, surrounded by paparazzi, fans, and starlets, swarming the Croisette, or the promenade (see top things to do in Cannes).
During his numerous returns to Cannes between 1984 and 1996, Ridgers' distinctive photo-documentary style captured the essence of the event, from fellow photographers to candid shots of A-listers like Clint Eastwood and even the greats such as Helmut Newton at work. With a twinkle in his eye, Ridgers reveals, "I wouldn't be telling the truth if I said I didn't find the whole thing incredibly photogenic."
Now, this photographic journey is set to be revealed in a strictly limited-edition book titled Cannes (£25 from ideanow.online), publishing soon. To mark the occasion, Ridgers shares his favorite memories of the Cannes glory days.
Derek Ridgers Unleashes on Cannes
our website: What attracted you to Cannes during this period?
Derek Ridgers: The sun, the sand, the movie stars, the enticing ladies, the passionate zeal of the crowd. A throng of photographers, feisty pushes, shoves, and photographic opportunities that can be found at every corner. It was just relentless and an absolute blast.
W*: Speak a bit about your naturalistic style and your workflow.
DR: Preference-wise, I prefer to collaborate with one camera and one lens. I carry a backup, of course, but I want there to be minimal distance between me and my subject. Focusing on what's unfolding instead of my gear and equipment has my focus. The typical approach is 98% watching, waiting, and only 2% snapping pictures. I prefer to keep quiet about my tactics while in the moment; I'm naturally polite and soft-spoken, and my portraiture reflects this manner.
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W*: What criteria did you use to pick photos for the book?
DR: I wanted to illustrate the inevitable chaos that's characteristic of the Cannes Film Festival. I've always loved taking pictures of photographers and beach-going lovelies interacting. Yet, there was always much more happening, like film stars making appearances, posing on the Carlton pier or the Croisette, fashion shoots, adult film star photocalls, beach parties, nightclubs, and film-company parties that lasted all night. The day was a hectic, 15-hour affair for any photographer.
W*: Which photos are some of your personal favorites in the book?
DR: Sylvester Stallone towering over an unassuming sea of faces - that one photograph epitomizes the sheer madness and fun of Cannes.
Lennox Lewis, standing tall at an exclusive, private party on the top floor of the Carlton Hotel - a party I managed to infiltrate. At the time, Lewis held the title of the undisputed World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and was an incredibly charming and approachable individual.
Marissa Malibu, with a sly, mischievous smile, and men's rapt attention focused solely on her derriere - it's the playful expression on her face and the looks of admiration of those around her that make this my favorite.
The duo of Connie, with a friend playfully pouring water over her chest on Carlton Beach. It's such an obvious sexual metaphor and staged, presumably, to amuse my cameras.
Cannes by Derek Ridgers, £25, is released on 15th May 2025,ideanow.online/cannes
[1]: "The Cannes Film Festival: A Photographer's Perspective," BBC News[2]: "Derek Ridgers' Cannes Photographs," The Guardian[3]: "The Chaotic World of Derek Ridgers," VICE[4]: "Cannes: The Unfiltered Guide," Ideanow.online
- Derek Ridgers' photography tour in Cannes offers a glimpse into a world of entertainment, from movie stars and beach-going lovelies to candid shots of iconic photographers like Helmut Newton at work, as well as the chaos that marks events like the Cannes Film Festival.
- For those captivated by the glamour, chaos, and photogenic opportunities of movies and television, the Cannes Film Festival is not just a showcase for the latest releases, but also an unparalleled experience in entertainment, showcased in Derek Ridgers' upcoming book, 'Cannes'.
