Outcry over Netflix films prompts Cannes to change rules

It's their festival, but if Cannes can't keep up with the changing times, they will eventually become irrelevant. Other, more nimble festivals will take their place.

France doesn't allow streaming for 3 years? And apparently a good movie is defined by the form of distribution as opposed to content, plot, acting or directing. Good by Cannes, if you can't move into the 21St century, then expect to become part of the history of the 20th century

The 3 year thing cannot be true. I have streamed French movies within a year of release.

So, don't stream the films in France for 3 years, but stream them everywhere else. It doesn't seem so complicated

To tell the truth, I think most people prefer a movie theater (a much deeper experience than with dodgy earphones say in front of a 9- or 10-inch screen making your eyes go bad in economy class and worse on a mobile). And all those streaming companies chop and change the streaming technology and subscription conditions all the time though people just want basically simple and cheap without something new every couple of months. There is still something constant about movie theaters, even with the popcorn and dreadful drinks and beer.

The economics is the way it is now. Even so, I still think Cannes-as-marketing tool is still relevant in the 21st century. In 30 years time though, well, let's wait and see.

To tell the truth, I think most people prefer a movie theater (a much deeper experience than with dodgy earphones say in front of a 9- or 10-inch, yes I agree but there are no theaters in my area and Japan only show a small fraction of movies that are released every year. I watch many of my movies on my 4K 28 inch computer monitor with stereo surround sound headphones, while many streaming movies only come in 1080p more are becoming 4K compatable. not as good as a theater but I can watch when I want at a fraction of the cost of a theater ticket.

When in Rome comes to mind, but the thing that also comes to mind is that if Cannes wants to still be considered THE international film festival to aspire to, it needs to be a little more international. Keep French rules for the French, and allow other nations to stream the movies at Cannes in the respective nations (outside of France).

@Todd, I'm with you. Above all, STORY is what makes a good movie. I like to write movies, and I don't care whether they're shown in theatres or streamed by Netflix or some other service. The important thing to me, as a writer, is that people appreciate the story and how it's portrayed. Soon enough, Cannes will become less relevant; there are many other film festivals around the world, and they're just as good, AND not as snooty.