One of film’s most prestigious events has finally come around on accepting television’s golden age. For the first time in its 70 year history, the Cannes Film Festival will be screening TV series in the form of Twin Peaks highly anticipated renewal and Top of the Lake: China Girl according to The Hollywood Reporter. While the entire six episode second season of Top of the Lake is set to be shown, only two episodes of Twin Peaks are being screened.
Regardless, it is a big step for television. Though many other prestigious festivals have come around on small screen showings, Cannes has remained steadfast in its refusal. Even the two series playing this year are the products of David Lynch (Twin Peaks) and Jane Campion (Top of the Lake) who are both former Palme d’Or winners for 1990’s Wild at Heart and 1993’s The Piano respectively. The notoriety of both artists is a reminder to all that Cannes is not a festival for just anyone.
Top of the Lake Season One starred Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men) as a detective in search of a missing pre-teen. The mystery has received acclaim from critics and viewers alike, and Moss is set to appear again in China Girl, the second installment of the series. Changes include location, from New Zealand to Australia, and the addition of Nicole Kidman. Kidman’s most recent project, HBO’s Big Little Lies was a resounding success.
Twin Peaks, the 90s cult hit that had the world asking “Who killed Laura Palmer?” is another mystery/drama that accrued a diehard fan base. Kyle MacLachlan’s Dale Cooper and his quest to learn the dark truth about tiny Twin Peaks, Washington combined elements of crime dramas with supernatural overtones and a carefully laid out mythology. The new addition picks up 25 years after the original run. Most of the original cast returns, including MacLachlan, Sheryl Lee, Ray Wise, and Sherilyn Fenn. Amanda Seyfried, Naomi Watts, Tom Sizemore, and others are involved as well.
Cannes is scheduled to take place May 17 through 28 of this year. Stay tuned with mxdwn Television for further information regarding Twin Peaks and Top of the Lake Season Two as they make history in France. Twin Peaks returns to Showtime May 21 for an 18 episode run. Top of the Lake is expected later this year on Sundance TV, BBC Two, and BBC UK.