A paucity of Cannes parties? (IND, HWT)

By Nancy Tartaglione

For the second time in three years, Vanity Fair has cancelled its Cannes bash. The Independent reports that a magazine spokesperson said, "We've already hosted parties at the recent Tribeca Film Festival and co-hosted the White House Correspondents' Dinner Party. It didn't fit into our schedule."

Back in 2009, VF "decided to forgo" its usual dinner at Cannes "given the economic situation," a Conde Nast rep told Wiretap at the time. Last year, the party was indeed held.

According to The Independent's report, VF, along with London members' clubs Soho House, Century and The Hospital Club, are foregoing their events as is BBC Films which traditionally holds an annual drinks get-together on the Croisette.

"The last two years have been lean," Screen International chief film critic (and my Screen colleague) Mark Adams told the newspaper. "People are tightening their belts, it's a hard time for the film industry. The days where people got coaches to parties out of town are gone. The euro is not as strong, a number of South-east Asian buyers don't come over any more. With the cost of hotels and accommodation as it is, it can be very pricey."

Century Club spokesperson Sophie Fumey told the paper the London club normally pays around 700,000 euros to rent its space on the Croisette for the ten days while an additional 300,000 euros is added to that for running costs. "Not many people are going this year - we think it will be mainly a local presence," she said.

Not to worry, festivaliers, the French still know how to party.