Spotlight on Cannes as Film Festival opens

If it’s the French Riviera in May, then it must be Cannes. The most famous film festival in the world opens today and, given that it is turning 60 this year, star-spotters can expect an even bigger turnout of celebrities than usual. Mike Goodridge, US editor of the trade magazine Screen International, describes Cannes as “the ultimate film festival”.

“It’s the perfect celebration of film making as an art and has maintained its leadership in that role for most of its 60 years,” he said.

The festival will celebrate its anniversary by stepping back in time through the screening of a number of old movies dubbed “Cannes Classics”, and with an homage to John Wayne.

As ever, the resort will be packed with people hoping to see and be seen. And then there are the films actually competing for the prestigious Palme d’Or prize. The opening film this year is “My Blueberry Nights” from Chinese director, Wong Kar Wai. It stars Jude Law and singer Norah Jones.

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