You have undoubtedly seen the glittering stars and high-fashion red carpet glamour of the Cannes Film Festival through the polished lenses of professional photographers, rolling television cameras, and countless mobile phones held aloft by eager onlookers. Now, audiences are being given a rare, unfiltered backstage look at the life and the frequently unglamorous, grueling work of one of those dedicated red carpet photographers in a new documentary titled A Photographer in Cannes.
The film celebrates its world premiere within the prestigious Special Screenings program at the landmark 30th edition of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) in Estonia. Fittingly, the man taking the center-stage spotlight while simultaneously capturing pictures of the global celebrities surrounding him is none other than Erlend Štaub. Widely recognized as Estonia’s premier man on the film festival circuit, Štaub has built a remarkable career capturing iconic moments on both traditional red carpets—such as those at the cinematic hubs of Cannes and Berlin—and the signature black carpets of his home festival in Tallinn, where he has served as the official photographer for several years.
A Photographer in Cannes is the creative product of director and cinematographer Kullar Viimne, who co-wrote the feature alongside editor Erik Norkroos. The documentary offers viewers an intimate glimpse into Štaub’s daily reality, following him as he navigates exclusive parties, high-energy concerts, and glamorous events across Estonia during the off-season. It highlights the demanding balance of daytime socializing and high-stakes photography, followed by grueling nights spent editing and processing thousands of images to ensure they are ready for publication by the following morning. Beyond the technical demands of the craft, the film delves deeply into the physical fitness, mental resilience, and sharp social skills required to carve out a lasting, respected niche within a fiercely competitive world defined by superficial glitz and relentless glamour. Naturally, the documentary also transports audiences directly to the French Riviera. Having attended the Cannes Film Festival for 15 consecutive years, Štaub is shown completely in his element—working feverishly on the red carpet, navigating tight backstage corridors, and even bumping paths with global style icons like Bella Hadid.
Amid preparations for the film’s festival run, Štaub paused his demanding schedule to discuss A Photographer in Cannes, share practical wisdom for aspiring visual artists, and reflect on his unforgettable encounters with Hollywood royalty.
How Director Kullar Viimne Brought the Project to Life
When director Kullar Viimne first approached the veteran photographer with the ambitious idea of turning the camera back onto him, Štaub’s initial reaction was disbelief.
"First, I laughed loudly," Štaub recalls. "Kullar texted me at six in the morning. I wrote him back, and I said it was not a good idea. And he told me, ‘Just listen to me. Let’s meet, and I’ll explain everything.’ So, we met, and I listened to his idea. And I realized that the things that I’m doing are unbelievable to others. So, I said, ‘Okay, no problem. Do what you do, and I can help if you need help.’"
Transitioning from the invisible observer behind the camera to the primary subject of a feature-length documentary required a distinct shift in perspective, though Štaub notes that his professional instincts ultimately kept him grounded. When asked how it felt to be on the receiving end of a camera lens and whether it disrupted his concentration, he maintains that his singular focus remained unbroken. "When I’m working, I’m always focused, and I don’t notice anybody else—I only see the people of whom I want to take a picture. So, I didn’t have a problem with it."
Securing permission to film behind the scenes at an institution as heavily guarded and tightly regulated as the Cannes Film Festival is no small feat. However, Štaub’s longstanding, mutually respectful relationship with festival organizers proved instrumental in bringing Viimne’s vision to life.
"My relationship with the Cannes festival is very, very good. I really appreciate what they are doing for me because Estonia is a very small country, and they have allowed me to take pictures on the red carpet along with the very good American photographers and France’s super photographers," he explains. "The festival and I work together very well. I always have some kind of little present for them, and I really appreciate them."
Because of this deep rapport, festival organizers readily accommodated the documentary crew. While standard filmmakers and media personnel often face strict administrative hurdles—such as renewing their daily red carpet accreditations on a strict 24-hour cycle—Štaub’s extended accreditation status allowed for smoother negotiations. "We told them about the project, and they are just such cool guys. We asked if it was possible to put a camera in this and that spot, one behind me and one in front of me. And they made it happen. It was amazing. They are great guys and really helped the team and me."
The Physical and Mental Demands of Red Carpet Photography
One of the most eye-opening aspects of A Photographer in Cannes for everyday viewers is its honest depiction of the rigorous physical conditioning Štaub maintains to keep up with his profession. Far from being a glamorous leisure activity, red carpet photography is shown to be an intense, high-pressure endurance test.
"It’s very important because this is stressful work, so your physical shape needs to be strong, like a military person," Štaub emphasizes. "The pressure is so high, and I’m just afraid that maybe I’m going to die on the red carpet if I am not in good shape because there are too many things going on. Thank God I have my little gym room at home."
For young people looking to break into the industry, Štaub offers straightforward advice centered around authenticity rather than imitation. "First, don’t try to be anybody else," he says. "That is really important because you have your own business and your own personality, and people love that. It’s very funny because I think I’m crazy, I’m not a normal person. But people love personality. So, be yourself! People love that."
Illustrating how his distinct personality leaves a lasting impression on subjects and colleagues alike, Štaub shares a memorable anecdote from his travels. "Seven or eight years ago, I was at the Berlinale. And there was one guy who I didn’t know and just took his picture. He came to PÖFF a year ago and told me, ‘Oh my God, you are the guy! I remember you from Berlin.’ That’s what I do. Every person who comes to my camera remembers me. And for me, that’s very important."
Encounters With Hollywood Royalty
Over a career spanning decades and countless high-profile premieres, Štaub has photographed an extraordinary roster of international talent. When asked which celebrities are particularly effortless to capture through the lens, he points to stars who possess a genuine affinity for their fans. "There are lots who are great for photos. Bill Murray, Omar Sy, Harrison Ford, Penelope Cruz, Will Smith, and many others. I think they really love the audience. They love their fans, and you see that."
Among the countless memorable interactions he has experienced, one particular star stands out as a lifelong highlight. Vin Diesel’s appearance at the Cannes Film Festival photocall provided a moment that Štaub admits left him speechless.
"Vin Diesel! Oh my God, I had been waiting for this moment for a long time. I really love him, and I remember he came to the photocall at the Cannes Film Festival. And the first thing he did was give me a fist bump. And I said, ‘My God, this is the best day of my life.’ He really appreciates all the people. He came and said, ‘Thank you, everybody. I want to tell you one thing. I’m here because of all of you. You journalists and photographers made me a real actor.’ He really respects the photographers, the fans and the audience."
Looking ahead, Štaub still has a clear wishlist of cinematic icons he hopes to capture one day. "Yes. Samuel Jackson, Keanu Reeves, Anthony Hopkins, Charlie Hunnam, Ron Perlman, Danny Trejo. Yes, I love the badass. My favorite actor is Sylvester Stallone. I have taken his picture a couple of times. He’s amazing and an amazing person. There’s the film I Play Rocky now. I can’t wait to see it."
Working Close to Home at Tallinn Black Nights
Returning to Estonia for the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival brings a different kind of energy compared to the massive international scale of Cannes. However, Štaub treats his home festival with the same level of dedication and care, even as crowds swell and lines wrap around the venue.
Addressing whether working on home turf introduces unique pressures, he notes that the challenge lies primarily in managing the immense local enthusiasm. "No, it’s not pressure. Okay, a little bit, because we have so many people and everybody wants to have a photo. There is a really long line. And I see the sad faces when I must say, ‘Sorry, we need to close this black carpet.’"
Reflecting on his ultimate goal whenever he steps up to photograph a major event, Štaub boils his artistic philosophy down to a single point of human connection. For him, the ideal setup involves working with individuals one-on-one to craft a genuine moment of shared glamour that lingers long after the shutter clicks.
"I always get the picture when people are looking straight at me," Štaub concludes. "That’s, for me, the number one thing. Even at the Cannes Film Festival, if they are looking straight at my camera, that feels like I, the person looking at the picture, and the celebrity are the only people in the room. There is a real connection."