The film premiered on 7 May 1997 at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival , where it was selected as the opening film . Gaumont built an area for the screening that was over . Guests were given a " Fifth Element " Swatch , which was used as their ticket for entry . The event included a futuristic ballet , a fashion show by Jean-Paul Gaultier , and fireworks . Gaumont spent between US $ 1 million and $ 3 million on the event , a record at the time
1997 Cannes Film Festival
1997 Cannes Film Festival
The Fifth Element