Why did a man arrive dressed as a condor at Cannes 2025? Symbolism explained

There was one look at the Cannes 2025 that stumped everyone who attended, as well as netizens online. While big gowns and nudity were banned at the film festival, no one expected one of the guests to show up dressed like an actual condor. Right before the premiere of Die, My Love, which starred Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, a man dressed in a full bird suit walked the red carpet.

The festival goers were initially confused, since this year's Cannes was quite stringent with the dressing rules. Many thought that the man dressed as a condor might be a gatecrasher. However, later on, it was explained that the man is actually a part of a documentary titled I Love Peru by Raphael Quenard, which was from the Cannes Classics section.

Keep reading to learn more about the man dressed as a condor at Cannes 2025 and the significance of the costume.

The symbolism behind the man dressing up as a condor bird at Cannes 2025

The condor costume worn at the Cannes 2025 was not for mere show or publicity. It had a deep meaning in relation to Raphael Quenard's documentary, I Love Peru.

According to Peruvian culture, condors are considered to be sacred birds to the Incas. Not only do they look majestic because of their huge wingspan, but they also hold a deeper symbolic meaning. In Peru, the condor is viewed as a connection between heaven and earth, and it is believed to carry the souls of the dead to the afterlife on its wings.

Additionally, the Incas have a sun god, Inti, who is highly revered. The condors are connected to the sun god because of how high they can fly.

For those curious about Quenard's documentary, I Love Peru, it was shown in the Cannes Classics section, and this is the synopsis:

"Going through a difficult period, Raphaël Quenard abandons everyone around him and, struck by a disturbing vision, flies to Peru. In this spiritual quest, he is accompanied by his friend Hugo David."

As for Raphael Quenard, he was interviewed by Vanity Fair for his documentary, and this is what he had to say about it:

"We shot using a camera. The film took 38 weeks of editing. It’s pretty underground and gets to the heart of who we both are. It combines many different form."

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While many thought the condor costume at Cannes 2025 was hilarious and left a few confused, it was a part of Raphael Quenard's I Love Peru documentary. The bird holds a huge significance and meaning in Peruvian culture.

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