Applicants 18-28 must submit a letter demonstrating that they are "passionate about film," but airfare and lodging are not included.

As organizers of the Cannes Film Festival brace for a showdown with Netflix — which has threatened to pull its five films if they are omitted from the competition lineup, announced Thursday — they are also making a welcoming overture to young adults. The festival’s 71st year will introduce free “Three Days in Cannes” passes, set aside especially for 18-to-28-year-old cinephiles who hold a passport. Residents from all over the world are invited to apply here.

During the last three days of Cannes 2018, said passes will grant entry to the the esteemed Official Selection, comprising films that are in and out of competition, as well as titles in the Special Screenings, Un Certain Regard, Cannes Classics, Cinéma de la Plage sections. Hopefuls are required to submit photo identification and letters substantiating that they are “passionate about film.” There is no set deadline; passes will be distributed until they are gone. One thousand chosen recipients will be notified via email, and their badges will be available for in-person pick-up May 16.

Only about 74,000 people reside in Cannes, located on the French Riviera. However, the city often occupies three times as many people during the festival, which is closed to the public (in 2015, 31,500 individuals were accredited attendees, not counting the thousands of visiting journalists).

Expected highlights of this year’s proceedings include two-time Oscar-winner Asghar Farhadi’s Spanish-language opener “Everybody Knows,” the eighth onscreen collaboration between spouses Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz; the world premiere of “Solo: A Star Wars Story;” and the first showing of a unrestored, 70mm print of Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey,” presented by Christopher Nolan in honor of the classic’s 50th birthday.

The Cannes Film Festival begins May 8 and concludes May 19.

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