This major installation underscores the commitment of the Festival, of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès and of the Mairie de Cannes to providing the best possible film screening conditions. With its 2,309 seats, the Louis Lumière auditorium becomes Europe’s largest cinema equipped with Dolby Atmos immersive sound technology. A total of 128 permanent speakers, 20 ceiling speakers, 5 kilometers of cables and 29 amplifiers have been deployed, without modifying the existing structure. A team of rope access acrobats was required to install the suspended speakers.

“The Grand Auditorium Louis Lumière is one of the legendary venues of world cinema, where artists, films and audiences meet. Equipping this exceptional auditorium with Dolby Atmos surround sound promises to deliver an unprecedented experience for audiences, filmmakers and sound engineers alike. I would like to thank the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, the City of Cannes and Dolby for making it possible to install this equipment.” Thierry Frémaux, General Delegate of the Festival de Cannes

“Installing Dolby Atmos immersive sound in the Theater Louis Lumière marks a major technological step forward for the Palais des Festivals, and reinforces our commitment to offering an optimal experience to both film professionals and audiences. This project, entirely financed by the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, demonstrates our determination to invest in innovation and excellence in order to make Cannes a key reference point for the cinematic experience. In addition, we are continuing our efforts to guarantee exemplary accessibility to our venues, so that everyone can fully enjoy the events for which the Palais is renowned.” Jean-Michel Arnaud, President of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès

“In Cannes, we promote cinema as a total sensory experience, where sound and image form a duo capable of moving, engaging and bringing people together. The adoption of Dolby Atmos technology for our emblematic movie theater is much more than a technical enhancement: it’s a strategic and cultural choice that embodies our commitment to excellence and to artistic creation in all its forms. Offering film-makers and film-goers the optimal conditions to experience cinema as it was intended, affirms Cannes’ role as the capital of cinema, both faithful to its heritage and resolutely committed to innovation.” David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes

The project represents an investment of one million euros, entirely financed by the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. From subtle dialogues to complex soundscapes, the Dolby Atmos system offers outstanding three-dimensional sound quality: sound moves around and above the audience, for full immersion and striking realism.

“The technical specifics of this installation are impressive, and we’re delighted that Dolby Atmos can offer new creative possibilities to filmmakers around the world. Audiences will experience the film screenings at the Palais des Festivals like never before. It’s a great honor and a real joy for us to become even more closely associated with the Festival de Cannes, especially as Dolby celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.” Friedrich Deininger, Senior Director Cinema Europe, Dolby

Audiences will discover this new installation during the 78th Festival de Cannes, which takes place from May 13 to 24.