Renault in Film History

The Cannes Film Festival, which began in 1946, is counted among the world's three major film festivals alongside Berlin and Venice. Every May, the city buzzes with activity as filmmakers and numerous celebrities from around the globe gather. This year, Japan was represented by director Hirokazu Kore-eda's "Our Little Sister" and director Kiyoshi Kurosawa's "Journey to the Shore." Kurosawa's film impressively won the "Un Certain Regard" award, generating considerable buzz.

During the weekends of the Cannes Film Festival, the French Riviera, known as one of the world's premier resort destinations, experiences a particularly special atmosphere. The sight of directors, actors, and actresses in stunning gowns gracing the red carpet is truly the highlight of the festival.

Renault has been the official partner of the Cannes Film Festival since 1983, providing transportation for these cinematic stars. This year, they are supplying 200 vehicles, including the new "Espace" (not available in Japan), a luxurious minivan that has garnered significant attention. The moment a Renault, with its elegant French design, pulls up is a quintessential Cannes scene, familiar as part of the festival's fabric.

However, a question arose in my mind: why has Renault continued to be a partner of the Cannes Film Festival for 32 years? Surely, France has other automakers like Peugeot and Citroën. In response to my query, Frédéric Brunet, Chief Product Manager at Renault Japon, offered the following explanation.

"Renault's connection with film dates back over a century. In France, there were the Lumière brothers, pioneers of cinema who invented the Cinématographe, the first device combining filming and projection. Their studio was located in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb of Paris, which was also where the Renault factory stood at the time. It was through this connection that a Renault was the car used in their first film. It is said to be the very first car ever captured on film during the dawn of cinema."

In essence, France is synonymous with cinema, Cannes is the epitome of French film festivals, and when one speaks of French cinema and cars, it inevitably leads to Renault.

The First Limited Edition Model Named for Cannes

From Renault, with its deep ties to the Cannes Film Festival, comes the "Captur Cannes," a special edition model limited to 40 units, making its debut in Japan. Unveiled on June 26th, the same day as the "Festival du Cinéma Français 2015," the car was exhibited at the official residence of the French Embassy, which hosted the party. The event felt like a "mini Cannes Film Festival," with guests including Louane Emera, star of the opening film "La Famille Bélier," and Emmanuelle Devos, who appeared in "Violette."

Let's take a closer look at the "Captur Cannes" limited edition. It is based on the "Intense," the higher trim level of the compact crossover "Captur." It is powered by a 1.2-liter turbo engine producing a maximum output of 120ps and a maximum torque of 190Nm, paired with a dual-clutch EDC transmission.


This limited edition features an emblem on the body side, inspired by the "Palme d'Or" (Golden Palm), the highest award at the Cannes Film Festival. The two-tone color scheme is available in two variations: Ivory body with a black roof and black sides (Étoile Noire, 30 units), and the reverse color scheme of black body with an Ivory roof and sides (Étoile Noire/Ivoire, 10 units).

The interior boasts removable ivory and black leather-combination seats, and comes equipped with a Pioneer 8-inch SD navigation system, one inch larger than the current model. The navigation system's startup screen displays the Renault and Cannes Film Festival logos, a thoughtful detail.

Furthermore, the audio system utilizes MUSIC LIVE speakers from Focal, a high-end French audio brand, delivering immersive sound that makes you feel as if you're in a movie.

The price is 2.89 million yen. Limited to 40 units, sales begin on Friday, June 26th. The Captur Cannes will also be on display at the outdoor space of "Daikanyama T-SITE" on Saturday, July 4th, and Sunday, July 5th.

Renault Captur Cannes
Body Dimensions | Length 4,125 x Width 1,780 x Height 1,565 mm
Wheelbase | 2,605 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,530 / 1,515 mm
Weight | 1,270 kg
Engine | 1,197 cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC Turbocharged
Maximum Output | 88 kW (120 ps) / 4,900 rpm
Maximum Torque | 190 Nm (19.4 kgm) / 2,000 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed Automatic (6EDC)
Drivetrain | FF
Suspension Front | MacPherson Strut
Suspension Rear | Torsion Beam
Tires Front/Rear | 205/55R17
Brakes Front | Ventilated Discs
Brakes Rear | Drums
Price | 2.89 million yen

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