The latest controversy to hit the infamous Cannes Film Festival 2015 involves high heels. In recent reports, it was revealed that the festival has denied entry to some women in their 50s who were supposed to attend the screening of Cate Blanchett's "Carol" due to their choice of shoes. Another incident involved film producer Valerie Richter, who has a partially amputated left foot. She was initially not allowed to enter because of her flat shoes.
"They pointed their finger at my shoe and then were waving their fingers at me," Richter disclosed to BBC. "It was quite obvious it was my shoes that was an issue," the producer said. She went on to say that attendants at the said festival halted her approximately four times on Saturday while she navigated the crowd in the premiere of Gus Van Sant's "Sea of Trees."
Richter went on to say, "Obviously, I could wave my foot at them." She continued, "And that would make the situation a little awkward for them, because I had a visible explanation [for not wearing heels]." While Richter was eventually allowed to attend the event, she shared that "many of my colleagues who can't wear heels were rejected and did not come in."
However, the top officials of Cannes Film Festival sought to clarify the issue.
"Regarding the dress code for the red carpet screenings, rules have not changed throughout the years (Tuxedo, formal dress for Gala screenings) and there is no specific mention about the height of the women's heels as well as for men's," the press statement released to Screen Daily disclosed. It added, "Thus, in order to make sure that this rule is respected, the festival's hosts and hostesses were reminded of it."
Reporters from Screen Daily were also told that the information stating that the wearing of heels is "obligatory" for women attending the festival were also false. Thierry Fremaux, the festival director, took to social media to elucidate on the rules. "For the steps (red carpet), nothing has changed: Smoking (tuxedo), black tie. No mention of heels," he explained.
"Sicario" star Emily Blunt weighed in on the issue as well. "Everyone should wear flats, to be honest. We shouldn't wear high heels," the actress said. She then added, "We shouldn't be wearing high heels anyway. That's my point of view. I just prefer wearing Converse sneakers."
