Bono’s ‘Stories of Surrender’ Film Captivates Cannes, Earns Prolonged Standing Ovation

CANNES, France – U2 frontman Bono made a significant impact at the Cannes Film Festival with the premiere of his deeply personal film, “Stories of Surrender.” The documentary-concert hybrid, which delves into the themes explored in his memoir and accompanying tour, was met with an exceptionally warm reception, reportedly earning a prolonged standing ovation following its screening on May 16, 2025.

An Enthusiastic Reception on the Croisette

The film’s premiere at the prestigious festival generated considerable buzz. According to reports from industry publications covering the event on the ground, the audience responded with sustained applause.

Variety, a leading source for entertainment news, reported that the film received a seven-minute standing ovation. Separately, Deadline noted a slightly different duration, citing a six-and-a-half-minute ovation. Regardless of the precise timing, the length of the applause underscores the powerful emotional connection the film forged with its first major festival audience, a common indicator of potential success and critical acclaim within the Cannes ecosystem.

Bringing the Memoir to the Screen

“Stories of Surrender” is intimately connected to Bono’s multifaceted artistic project of the same name. This includes his highly acclaimed memoir, published in 2022, and the subsequent solo tour that saw him perform intimate shows featuring storytelling and songs drawn from his life and career, often in conversation with an interviewer or moderator.

The film adaptation aims to capture the essence of these live performances. Directed by Andrew Dominick, known for films such as “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” and “Blonde,” the movie has a runtime of one hour and twenty-six minutes. It was shot during Bono’s 2023 tour, offering viewers a cinematic experience of the stage show that explores themes of faith, family, and the journey behind some of U2’s most iconic songs.

Broader Industry Conversations at Cannes

The film’s presence at Cannes also intersected with wider industry discussions taking place at the festival. On May 15, 2025, just the day before the “Stories of Surrender” premiere, The Hollywood Reporter covered conversations involving key figures in production.

These discussions included heads from RadicalMedia, the production company behind the film. The dialogue touched upon various aspects of entertainment production, notably including the topic of adapting stage musicals for the big screen. While not directly tied solely to Bono’s film, this confluence of events highlighted the festival’s role as a hub for exploring diverse forms of storytelling and their translation across different media, providing context for the kind of autobiographical, performance-based narrative that “Stories of Surrender” represents.

Significance of the Ovation

A standing ovation at Cannes is often seen as a barometer of a film’s reception, signaling strong approval from the industry professionals, critics, and cinephiles who comprise the festival’s audience. While not a guarantee of future box office success or awards, a prolonged ovation, such as the one reportedly received by “Stories of Surrender,” indicates that the film resonated deeply with attendees and has successfully positioned itself as a notable entry at the festival.

The enthusiastic response suggests that Dominick’s direction and Bono’s performance in the film adaptation have effectively translated the intimate, narrative-driven format of the stage show into a compelling cinematic experience. It underscores the enduring connection audiences have with Bono’s personal story and his willingness to explore it through various artistic mediums.

Conclusion

The premiere of Bono’s “Stories of Surrender” film at the Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2025, marked a successful debut, highlighted by a significant standing ovation reported by multiple outlets. The film, which captures the essence of his acclaimed book and tour, has clearly made a strong initial impression on the international film community gathered on the French Riviera, setting a positive tone for its future release and reception.