Daphne Schmon is no stranger to Cannes, having launched her non-profit, Breaking Through the Lens, at the fest in 2018. The focus of the group is on helping any filmmakers who experience marginalization due to their gender get their projects financed.
While Breaking Through the Lens is now a presence at festivals from Sundance to Venice, Schmon is familiar with the ins and outs of the Croisette.
Below, she shared her dos (pack Waterproof Blister Band-Aids) and don’ts (eat at hotel restaurants) of the French fest.
Best bargain in Cannes?
It’s nearly impossible to find a bargain in Cannes, especially during the festival — but a few years ago, I discovered Taqueria Lupita. As a Mexican food lover, I was genuinely impressed — authentic, flavorful, and surprisingly affordable. The service is quick and the tacos are spot-on, making it the perfect pit stop between meetings or before a big night out.
Favorite meal in Cannes?
La Casa di Nonna has become a staple for our Breaking Through the Lens (BTTL) team. It has a cozy, trattoria-style vibe and is tucked away off the beaten track. The Pappardelle della Nonna are absolutely to die for, and they also serve excellent coffee and brunch. Nestled on Rue Hoche, it’s just a stone’s throw from the Palais but feels worlds away from the hustle of the Croisette.
Most overrated restaurant?
La Plage du Martinez – or really any of the hotel restaurants. Don’t fall into this trap. You’ll pay a fortune and leave feeling very underwhelmed. If you’re craving a sea view, grab a sandwich or crêpe and head to one of the benches on the Croisette. Same view, less fuss.
Biggest Cannes faux pas?
Burning the candle at both ends. The temptation is real – glitzy late-night parties, then early-bird meetings; but remember the Festival is a marathon, not a sprint. You’ve got to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and carve out moments to breathe. Otherwise, by day three, you’re running on fumes, forgetting names, and holding entire conversations with your sunglasses on.
Best place to grab a drink after 3 a.m.?
MISFITS afterparty, without a doubt (if you can find it!). We had the pleasure of meeting A.J., Ramfis and the crew last year. It’s one of the rare spaces that feels totally unpretentious – good music, great people, and a unique energy that’s just completely different to the rest of Cannes.
Place to avoid during the Festival?
Any venue with a velvet rope and a bouncer with a headset who’s “checking the list.” Save yourself the time – there’s always a better party happening somewhere without the ego trip.
Your “only in Cannes” moment?
Back in 2018, I was invited to the Positive Planet Gala. At one point, Leonardo DiCaprio was on stage auctioning a BBQ on his New York balcony. It sold for some astronomical amount. I remember thinking, only in Cannes.
Biggest Cannes pet peeve?
People who treat every conversation like a pitch. As someone who runs a pitching initiative and works closely with investors, I can say—there’s a time and a place. I always remind our BTTL cohort that the best opportunities often come from genuine, human connections, not rehearsed monologues. Ask questions, listen, be present. Build relationships first—the rest will follow.
Cannes guilty pleasure?
A late-night kebab from Dutch Berliner, no question. After a long day of meetings, nothing hits quite like it. It’s messy, full of flavor, and oddly satisfying – the perfect end to a very Cannes kind of day.
Strangest request you’ve ever received in Cannes?
I was in line to watch a film in the Lumière once, and a total stranger asked me to hold her belongings while she walked the red carpet. The woman didn’t come back for them until I was at the top of the stairs myself. Moments like that always make me wish people would focus more on the films than the photo ops. After all, that’s what we’re really there for.
Most interesting celeb encounter?
Meeting Diane Kruger at our BTTL panel last year was a real highlight. She was incredibly gracious and down-to-earth, speaking about raising her young daughter and the importance of championing female directors. What struck me most was how she balances it all with such authenticity—being a mum, a world-class actress, a businesswoman, and still showing up to uplift others. Total class act.
One thing you won’t travel without, besides your phone?
Waterproof Blister Band-Aids. “Cannes Feet” are no joke – especially for women in heels running between the Palais, meetings, and events. These are a lifesaver.
Attitude towards timing/reporting on standing ovations at premieres?
I don’t think ovation length is the ultimate measure of a film’s success — but when it’s real, you feel it in your bones. I’ll never forget the premiere of Joyland, directed by Saim Sadiq. It was the first Pakistani film ever to play at Cannes, and featuring a trans lead—what a beautiful and courageous story. When the room erupted into applause, tears were streaming down my face. You could feel the collective acknowledgment of what that moment meant—not just for the filmmakers, but for the industry at large. Finishing a film under any circumstance is an admirable feat; getting to the world stage of Cannes and touching an audience in such a powerful way – that’s miraculous. Those moments give you goosebumps and deserve an ovation.
#Cannes #toBreaking #Lens #Daphne #Schmon
