Add CategoryINTERNATIONALLY celebrated film producer David Lightfoot had to resort to his military training to defend himself after he was jumped in a back alley at Cannes Film Festival.
South Australian-raised Mr Lightfoot told The Advertiser on Friday night he defended himself against two attackers after being “smacked” on the back of the head while walking down an alley in the Old Town in Cannes last Wednesday.
“It was pretty nasty,” Mr Lightfoot, who was in the military, said.
“I was just defending myself. My old skills came out and down they went.”
Mr Lightfoot was in France for the Cannes Film Festival where he said his production company Ultrafilms was pitching three big projects.
“Cannes is the most stunning looking, sun-drenched beach in France,” Mr Lightfoot said.
“I’ve been there 15 times and this is the only time I have had trouble.”
Mr Lightfoot said he was struck to the back of the head and turned to find himself confronted with two men.
He defended himself against the pair, pushing them out into the street before the police were called.
It is understood Mr Lightfoot gave a statement to police though it is unclear whether either of the two men were arrested.
Mr Lightfoot said he was still recovering from the blow to the back of the head, saying it would take a “few days” to get back to normal.
Mr Lightfoot is an ex-paratrooper who gained international fame through his involvement with films like Babe and Wolf Creek.
He said this year’s Cannes Film Festival showed the film industry was in flux as media giants Netflix and Amazon grappled with the traditional nature of the famous festival.