In the final day of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, the city was shaken by a massive power outage which was suspected to be a case of targeted sabotage. Fire engulfed an electrical substation on the outskirts of Cannes, disconnecting more than 160,000 households and creating general havoc at the time when the high-level closing ceremony of the festival was about to start. Authorities suspected arson attacks and initiated a full criminal probe into the blaze.
Within hours of the substation blaze, a second high-voltage line fell in another area, adding to the emergency. The police have not discounted an organized attack, particularly since the event has been under international scrutiny. Despite no one being hurt, the blackout had an impact on public transit, traffic lights, and several screening theaters—bringing to a halt what had otherwise been a trouble-free celebration of world cinema.
With rapid response and backup power during an emergency, the principal venue, Palais des Festivals, remained operational, permitting the award ceremony, the Palme d’Or presentation included, to go ahead according to plan. Screenings, however, at Cineum and other satellite venues were briefly suspended, frustrating viewers and placing organizers under pressure to respond to the crisis.
Power had been restored by late afternoon, but the attack has provoked questions about infrastructure security during high-profile events. Police are following up on leads, and French authorities have pledged to uncover and prosecute the perpetrators of the act. The sabotage taints the otherwise successful 2025 Cannes despite its allure, a reminder to the world of the vulnerabilities even high-glamour global events can fall victim to.
