‘Brand New Landscape’ producers call for investigation after Cannes palm tree incident

The producers of Japanese film Brand New Landscape have called for a “swift investigation” after one of their team was injured by a falling palm tree during the Cannes Film Festival.

The incident took place around 12noon on Saturday (May 17) while the filmmakers were walking to an event organised by Directorsʼ Fortnight, a parallel section of the festival for which the film had been selected.

While walking on the Croisette, in front of the Mademoiselle Gray Plage Barriere beach, a 3m-high palm tree fell and a producer for Japanese company LesPros Entertainment who was escorting the cast was struck and sustained injuries.

According to a statement from co-producers Siglo Co. and LesPros Entertainment: “The injured producer was immediately transported to a local hospital by emergency services. Medical examination confirmed fractures to the nose and parts of the body. Fortunately, the producer remained conscious and is currently in stable condition. Medical treatment and recovery will continue under professional supervision.”

The statement added that the production team has yet to receive an official report regarding the incident from the festival organisers or local authorities.

“Given that the Cannes Film Festival remains ongoing, and the incident took place in a highly frequented area, we sincerely hope for a swift investigation into the cause and the implementation of preventative measures to ensure such accidents do not happen again in the future,” it added.

Screen has contacted the City of Cannes for comment after being directed to the local authority by festival organisers but have yet to receive a response.

Brand New Landscape marks the debut feature of Yuiga Danzuka, who is the youngest Japanese filmmaker ever selected for Directors’ Fortnight. Set in Tokyo’s Shibuya district, it centres on the relationship between a father and son following the death of the mother. The film stars Kodai Kurosaki (She Taught Me Serendipity) in his first leading role alongside veteran actor Kenichi Endo of Cannes 2023 title Kubi.