Je t'aime... Moi Non Plus and Brigitte Bardot - to be honored at 79th Festval de Cannes

Brigitte Bardot, Plage Macé 1956

Je t'aime... Moi Non Plus, a song Serge Gainsbourg wrote about his love affair with Brigitte Bardot, is a metaphor for Bardot's relationship with popular culture and its custodians, specifically the press and paparazzi. In her later years, she expressed her desire to live to 100 but sadly passed away at the age of 91. She is best known for establishing an animal foundation, Foundation Brigitte Bardot, sacrificing all her possessions to make it a reality. Her impact on animal rights was profound, as she vehemently opposed the slaughter of animals in the name of religion or holiday tradition. Despite speculation, she was a supporter of LGBTQ individuals, such as Maria Schneider, who shared her life with another woman until the very end. Maria admired Bardot for gracefully transitioning from acting to a successful career as a singer-songwriter to an animal rights activist. However, Bardot's life and achievements were often distorted by the media, which fixated on her controversial film roles. In her iconic role in "And God Created Woman" (1956), directed by Roger Vadim, Bardot captivated audiences with her mesmerizing ethnic dance (mambo) in a nightclub accompanied by Afro-Caribbean musicians, shedding light on societal repression of male sexuality and private ownership of women. Tragically, in a scene from "A Very Private Affair," (1962) she falls to her death in slow motion after being startled by a photographer's flash. Bardot will be remembered for her pioneering efforts in women's liberation, her advocacy for animals, and her enduring contributions to the arts and culture.

The city of Cannes is set to rename the Plage Macé in honour of French film icon Brigitte Bardot, who died on 28 December. The beach below the Palais des Festivals will be open to dogs November 1 - May 1 in honor of her animal rights activism. 

Special screening in the presence of Nicolas Seydoux, President of Gaumont, MAY 18th, 2026
VIVA MARIA !

Louis Malle
1965, 2h02, France / Italy

In a Central American country called San Miguel at the beginning of the 20th century, Maria I and Maria II meet, forming a theatrical duo before embarking on a revolutionary struggle. A surprising variation on revolution, blending comedy and western, starring Jeanne Moreau and Brigitte Bardot.
This screening is co-organized with the City of Cannes, whose mayor David Lisnard will unveil a plaque on Macé Beach in honor of Brigitte Bardot.

-- Dr. Moira Sullivan