Photographer in Cannes Follows Estonian Who Knows the World’s Black Carpets—and Loved Getting a Diesel Fist Bump
A backstage view of festival work
The documentary turns attention from the stars on the Cannes red carpet to the photographer capturing them. It follows the work behind images seen through cameras, television and phones.
A Photographer in Cannes will have its world premiere in the Special Screenings program at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival’s 30th edition. The festival, known as PÖFF, is held in Estonia.
Štaub’s festival assignments
Erlend Štaub photographs at film festivals including Cannes and Berlin, as well as PÖFF. At the Tallinn festival, he has worked as its official photographer for several years.
The film presents Štaub as an Estonian photographer whose assignments take him across different festival carpets. Cannes and Berlin have red carpets, while PÖFF’s is black.
How the project began
Director Kullar Vilmne contacted Štaub by text at six in the morning with the idea of making a film about him. Štaub said he laughed and initially replied that the project did not seem like a good idea.
After they met and Vilmne explained the concept, Štaub reconsidered. He said he understood that his work seemed extraordinary to others and agreed to help if needed.
Key points
- A Photographer in Cannes will premiere at the 30th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.
- The documentary follows Estonian festival photographer Erlend Štaub.
- Štaub has been PÖFF’s official photographer for several years.
- Director Kullar Vilmne first approached Štaub by text at six in the morning.