Documentary ‘A Photographer in Cannes’ Spotlights Estonia’s Red‑Carpet Veteran Erlend Štaub
The new doc follows Estonian photographer Erlend Štaub, revealing the grind behind Cannes’ red carpet and his memorable Vin Diesel fist bump.
The documentary A Photographer in Cannes premiered in the Special Screenings program of the 30th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. It follows Erlend Štaub, Estonia’s veteran red‑carpet photographer who has been on the Cannes carpet for fifteen consecutive years. By capturing both the glamour and the grind, the film reveals what it takes to become a fixture of the festival circuit. Štaub even recounts a spontaneous fist bump with Vin Diesel that has become a favorite anecdote. The film offers a rare backstage look for anyone interested in festival culture.
What happened
The documentary debuted at the 30th edition of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) as part of its Special Screenings lineup. Directed by cinematographer Kullar Vilmne and co‑written with editor Erik Norkroos, the film centers on Erland Štaub’s life behind the lenses of the world’s most visible festivals.
Štaub’s routine swings between exclusive parties, wild concerts, and the relentless after‑hours editing required to deliver fresh images each morning. The film follows him on the Cannes carpet—where he has worked for fifteen straight years—including a light‑hearted encounter where he exchanged a fist bump with Vin Diesel, as well as a brief run‑in with model Bella Hadid.
Why it matters
By pulling back the curtain on the often‑overlooked labor of festival photography, the documentary highlights the physical stamina, mental focus, and networking skill required to thrive in that niche. It also positions Estonia as a cultural contributor on the global festival stage, showcasing a home‑grown talent who bridges Eastern European perspective with Hollywood glamour.
- Provides an unprecedented behind‑the‑scenes look at red‑carpet photography.
- Highlights the demanding physical and mental preparation required for the role.
- Elevates an Estonian creative voice in an international context.
- Focuses on a niche profession that may not appeal to a broad audience.
- Limited narrative drama beyond festival events.
- May inadvertently glorify a hustle‑centric work ethic.
How to think about it
Aspiring festival photographers should view Štaub’s story as a blueprint for building endurance, mastering rapid‑turnaround editing, and cultivating relationships with publicists and event organizers. Prioritizing physical fitness, developing a keen eye for fleeting moments, and maintaining a professional yet personable demeanor are practical takeaways that can translate to any high‑pressure visual‑media career.
FAQ
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