Story perspectives

Cannes Applauds “Minotaur” with 12-Minute Ovation, Palme d’Or Contender

5/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

On 19 May 2026, Cannes gave the French-German-Latvian film Minotaur a 12-minute standing ovation, marking it as a Palme d’Or contender.
Minotaur was shot in Latvia as a Russia stand-in, runs 2 hours 21 minutes, and is a French-German-Latvia co-production.
Mubi secured North American, UK, Ireland, German, Austrian and Latin American rights, with MK2 handling sales.
CEO Gleb Morozov must list 14 workers for Ukraine war, with his wife Galina having an affair.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 Cannes, Jeanne Moreau presided as the festival highlighted co-productions like Emir Kusturica’s *Underground*. In 1996 Anthony Minghella’s *The English Patient*—financed by Miramax, Working Title and Gaumont—earned nine Academy Awards and a $232 million worldwide box office, proving multinational backing could dominate Cannes and global markets. *Minotaur* follows that model.

1 of 2

Story summary

On 19 May 2026, Cannes gave the French-German-Latvian film Minotaur a 12-minute standing ovation, marking it as a Palme d’Or contender.
Minotaur was shot in Latvia as a Russia stand-in, runs 2 hours 21 minutes, and is a French-German-Latvia co-production.
Mubi secured North American, UK, Ireland, German, Austrian and Latin American rights, with MK2 handling sales.
CEO Gleb Morozov must list 14 workers for Ukraine war, with his wife Galina having an affair.

1 / 2