The 2026 Cannes Film Festival will open with the world premiere of La Vénus Électrique, the new burlesque romantic comedy by French director Pierre Salvadori. The film will mark the official opening of the festival on May 12, with a screening at the Grand Théâtre Lumière immediately following the opening ceremony, and will be shown simultaneously in cinemas across France.

This is Salvadori’s eleventh feature film and stars Pio Marmaï, Anaïs Demoustier, Gilles Lellouche, Vimala Pons and Gustave Kervern.

Set in early 20th-century Paris, the story follows a renowned painter who, after the death of his wife, falls into alcoholism and loses all artistic inspiration. In this context, he meets a struggling clairvoyant in the hope of reconnecting with his late spouse, leading to a narrative that blends romantic, fantastical and comedic elements.

The screenplay was co-written by Salvadori alongside Benjamin Charbit and Benoît Graffin, based on an original idea by Rebecca Zlotowski and Robin Campillo. The film is produced by Philippe Martin for Les Films Pelléas.

The full Official Selection of the festival will be announced on April 9 at 10:00 GMT. The 2026 edition of the festival will run from May 12 to 23.