THE FEMALE FORCE BEHIND THE FILM INDUSTRY: Creative Women Platform Illuminates Cannes with Vision, Voice and Power

By Eve Powell

THE FEMALE FORCE BEHIND THE FILM INDUSTRY

CANNES, FRANCE – At the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, the Creative Women Platform delivered a dazzling celebration of artistic brilliance and female empowerment with their private event titled The Female Force Behind the Film Industry. Held at the elegant Plage Ondine, this highly curated evening brought together exceptional women from across the creative and cinematic spheres — recognising their powerful influence on storytelling, culture, and global discourse.

The event opened with a heartfelt address from Olga Balakleets, Founder and CEO of Creative Women Platform, who welcomed guests by stating:

“This special gathering is more than just an event—it is a tribute to the extraordinary women who are reshaping the narrative of global film, media, fashion, and storytelling… Our presence here is a testament to the growing influence of women behind the camera, on stage, in production, and beyond.”

A highlight of the evening was the keynote by renowned British director Martha Fiennes, best known for Onegin and Chromophobia, and currently serving on Cannes’ prestigious Immersive Competition jury. Fiennes spoke eloquently on the creative responsibility borne by filmmakers and the urgent need to empower female perspectives within the cinematic space.

The event’s central panel — moderated by Rebeca Riofrio, Chairwoman of the UK Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion, and Sports — explored themes of legacy, representation, cultural exchange, and the evolving language of visual storytelling. Riofrio, a long-standing accredited producer and cultural strategist at Cannes, has been instrumental in bridging the worlds of film, diplomacy, and media across continents.

Among the esteemed panellists:

• Sukki Menon, Film director and activist, spoke with conviction on the sobering statistic that only 2% of women from minority backgrounds occupy leadership roles in the film industry. Her call to action urged audiences to platform authentic, intersectional voices.

• Stephanie Takyi, global entertainment journalist, reflected on Cannes’ unique status as a crucible for cultural storytelling, offering advice to young women in media: “Speak boldly, refine your voice — and let your work echo across borders.”

• Dr Olga Roh, fashion entrepreneur and lawyer, discussed the power of fashion as a cinematic tool, emphasising that elegance rooted in substance can redefine both beauty and impact.

• Luce Cardinale, actress and heir to a legendary cinematic lineage, shared her emotional connection to Cannes as both a professional milestone and personal legacy, remarking on her pursuit of roles that speak across cultures.

• Aurelia Khazan, actress and vocalist, used her platform to champion women's health and child protection, later delivering a breathtaking live performance that left guests visibly moved.

• Sandy Aouad, fashion visionary turned filmmaker, premiered her directorial debut Beauty of Poverty at the festival. Speaking candidly, she described the personal battles she faced to be taken seriously as a female creative: “I’ve fought to be seen not as decoration, but as a director — a force in my own right.”

Following the panel, each of the panellists received a Certificate of Honour from the UK Parliamentary Society for Arts, in collaboration with Art in Fusion TV Productions, official accredited partners of the Cannes Film Festival for over a decade. The ceremony acknowledged their contribution to cinema, culture, and the global creative landscape.

Additional honours were presented to women making outstanding cultural contributions, including:

• Islée de Salinas, international arts patron and entrepreneur

• Dr Viola Edward, psychotherapist and thought leader in social innovation

• Laura Timm, entrepreneur and advocate for ethical business and innovation

• Olga Balakleets, for her visionary leadership at the helm of the Creative Women Platform

Special recognition was also given to artists and changemakers whose work embodies the transformative power of art. Among them:David Serero, Fernando Montano, Aquí Zhu Wen Jing Wu, Juan Hu, Marianne Morazzani,Dr Nicole Owolabi, Pegah Pourmand, Julia Müller, Jordi Casals, Lyli Cocagne, and Sylvie Rebier — each of whom received a commemorative honour for their dedication to artistic excellence.

The event concluded with a celebratory dinner, enhanced by a live performance from Aurelia Khazan. Guests raised their glasses to a brighter future — one led by creative women changing the world.

A closing toast was made with LADYDRAGÓN Craft Tequila, the event’s spirited partner. Women-owned and fiercely independent, LADYDRAGÓN’s presence was the perfect finishing note: bold, elegant, and undeniably powerful — much like the women celebrated that evening.

As Cannes continues to spotlight global cinema, this event reminded all in attendance that the future of film is not only female — it is fearless.