20-05-2025
Japanese Producers Call for Safety Investigation After Cannes Falling Palm Tree Accident
The Japanese production companies behind 'Brand New Landscape' are urging a 'swift investigation' after one of their producers was injured by a falling palm tree at the Cannes Film Festival.
Produced by Siglo Co., Ltd. and LesPros Entertainment Co., Ltd., 'Brand New Landscape' is a selection at Cannes Directors' Fortnight this year.
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'The incident occurred around midday on Saturday, May 17, 2025 (local time), while the team was enroute to an official Directors' Fortnight event. While walking along the beachside promenade on Boulevard de la Croisette, a palm tree several meters tall suddenly fell. A LesPros Entertainment production producer escorting the cast was struck by the tree and sustained injuries in the unforeseen accident,' reads a statement shared with Variety by the production companies.
'The injured producer was immediately transported to a local hospital by emergency services. Medical examination confirmed fractures to the nose and parts of the body. Fortunately, the producer remained conscious and is currently in stable condition. Medical treatment and recovery will continue under professional supervision,' the statement adds.
As of their statement, the companies confirmed they have 'not received an official report regarding the incident from the festival organizers or local authorities.'
'Given that the Cannes Film Festival remains ongoing, and the incident took place in a highly frequented area, we sincerely hope for a swift investigation into the cause and the implementation of preventative measures to ensure such accidents do not happen again in the future,' the statement says.
Variety has reached out to the festival for comment.
'Brand New Landscape' is directed by rising filmmaker Yuiga Danzuka. The film follows two siblings grappling with their mother's absence and the return of their estranged father, a renowned architect, against the backdrop of Tokyo's ever-changing of Variety
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