Johanna Berghorn's Portrait Series Reveals Cannes' Unsung Stars
Photographer Johanna Berghorn, unable to speak due to laryngitis and without French language skills, used Google Translate to interview 25 locals during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Her portrait series captures street cleaners, taxi drivers, tailors, lifeguards, and soft-serve vendors who work behind the scenes. Contrary to expectations that residents resent the festival, every subject expressed pride and excitement. Notable figures include François, a soft-serve vendor who became her daily companion, and Jiyan, a tailor who showed photos of red-carpet dresses she helped create. Berghorn, a mother who felt sidelined by the industry after childbirth, undertook the project as a personal creative exercise. The series, titled 'The Real Stars of Cannes,' was published by Sleek Magazine.
Key facts
- Johanna Berghorn lost her voice on day one of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
- She used Google Translate to communicate with locals in French.
- She photographed and interviewed 25 people who work or live in Cannes during the festival.
- Subjects included a street cleaner, taxi driver, cook, lifeguard, tailors, and a soft-serve vendor.
- Every person interviewed said they love the festival and feel proud of it.
- François, a soft-serve vendor, gave Berghorn brochures and a merch cap.
- Jiyan, a tailor, showed photos of red-carpet dresses she helped make.
- Berghorn undertook the project as a personal creative exercise after feeling sidelined as a mother.
- The series was published by Sleek Magazine.
Entities
Artists
- Johanna Berghorn
Institutions
- Sleek Magazine
- Ritz-Carlton
Locations
- Cannes
- France
- Croisette