‘Moulin’ by László Nemes in the main competition at Cannes
Based on true events, the story will follow Moulin (Lellouche) as he’s parachuted into occupied France to unite the French resistance fighters under Charles de Gaulle’s leadership. The film depicts how, despite all efforts to stay in the shadows, Moulin is ultimately betrayed and tortured at the hands of the ambitious head of the Gestapo in Lyon, Klaus Barbie (Eidinger). But even when locked in a tense, deadly standoff with the vicious Barbie, Moulin doesn’t break, and his courage and silence helps lead to the liberation of France, while leaving behind a new spirit of strength and resistance.
“It is with an immense pride that I’m bringing to cinema the tragic and epic story of Jean Moulin, the great humanist resistant of WWII,” said Nemes “Facing unspeakable evil with the greatest – and unsuspected – resolve a human being can ever hope for, Jean Moulin’s story reverberates until today. I’m confident that contemporary audiences, near and far, will attach themselves to a man who embodies civilization against barbarism.”
This year’s Cannes film festival will take place on the Côte d’Azur from 12 to 23 May 2026. The jury of the festival’s 79th edition will be presided over by South Korean director Park Chan-wook (Oldboy), taking over from French actor Juliette Binoche.
