Cannes 2024: Coppola's sci-fi epic 'Megalopolis' garners 10-minute ovation

Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary filmmaker behind cinematic masterpieces like 'The Godfather' and 'Apocalypse Now,' returned to the Cannes Film Festival spotlight with his much-anticipated sci-fi epic, 'Megalopolis.' The premiere of this long-gestating project was met with a thunderous 10-minute standing ovation at the Grand Lumiere Theatre, marking Coppola's triumphant return to the prestigious festival after 45 years, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Amidst the applause, Coppola embraced each of his principal stars, including Nathalie Emmanuel, Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza, and Giancarlo Esposito, demonstrating the emotional depth of the moment. Paying homage to his late wife Eleanor, Coppola spoke passionately about the theme of hope and dedicated the film to the future generation, emphasizing the importance of making the world a better place for children.

The journey to the premiere was nothing short of epic, with anticipation building as Coppola's arrival at the Palais was accompanied by the iconic tune of 'My Way' and the theme from 'The Godfather,' as per The Hollywood Reporter. A star-studded audience, including Richard Gere and Hans Zimmer, added to the excitement surrounding the event.

Despite initial scepticism from potential buyers, the film's European distribution rights have already been secured, signalling a promising start for its global journey. However, the search for a US distributor continues, as per The Hollywood Reporter. (ANI)