Cannes chief Thierry Fremaux and veteran French filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier, the duo behind the Lumiere Institut and its heritage film festival in Lyon, penned an open letter to support movie theatres.

According to Variety, as in many countries around the world, France has seen its theatres struggle through the summer due to the lack of fresh releases, as well as the sanitary guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
After a near three-month shutdown, the theatres in France reopened on June 22, but they are only now starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel with encouraging early numbers for `Tenet,` and a couple of new movies in the pipeline."Since Wednesday, the admissions in French theatres seem to be sizzling. 
 
Surely, they have not reached their usual level but that should not surprise us since it can easily be explained. It`s not that the films were completely absent [from the screens], but those two months were probably necessary for the activity to pick up," Fremaux and Tavernier wrote in the letter. 
 
"As September begins, everything leads us to believe, with beautiful new films coming up, that moviegoers will return to cinemas as well. This fresh start will allow us to get a sense of the real perspectives for exhibitors, distributors, producers, and auteurs. These perspectives are in our hands- in your hands," the letter reads. 
 
Fremaux and Tavernier said that in spite of all the alarmist predictions, "cinema still exists, it never left us." 
 
"Platforms bring out another kind of television; they co-exist as much that the traditional one has done with cinema. We hope we will still speak about them... in 125 years, the age of the Lumiere Cinematograph in 2020," said the letter, referring to the age of movie theatres. 
 
The Lumiere Festival, which is dedicated to heritage cinema, will take place from October 10-18 and will showcase some movies that are part of Cannes` official selection. The Lumiere Award will be given to Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, the filmmaking duo who won the Palme d`Or ( highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival) twice and nabbed the best director award for `Le Jeune Ahmed` at Cannes in 2019. 
 
Fremaux and Tavernier said they will soon announce the festival lineup and open ticket sales. "We want to express our optimism and our convictions, show the combative spirit that we must have in order to gain back all our energy and understand the new world that surrounds us."

Cannes chief Thierry Fremaux and veteran French filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier, the duo behind the Lumiere Institut and its heritage film festival in Lyon, penned an open letter to support movie theatres.

Cannes chief Thierry Fremaux and veteran French filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier, the duo behind the Lumiere Institut and its heritage film festival in Lyon, penned an open letter to support movie theatres. According to Variety, as in many countries around the world, France has seen its theatres struggle through the summer due to the lack of fresh releases, as well as the sanitary guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic. After a near three-month shutdown, the theatres in France reopened on June 22, but they are only now starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel with encouraging early numbers for `Tenet,` and a couple of new movies in the pipeline."Since Wednesday, the admissions in French theatres seem to be sizzling. Surely, they have not reached their usual level but that should not surprise us since it can easily be explained. It`s not that the films were completely absent [from the screens], but those two months were probably necessary for the activity to pick up," Fremaux and Tavernier wrote in the letter. "As September begins, everything leads us to believe, with beautiful new films coming up, that moviegoers will return to cinemas as well. This fresh start will allow us to get a sense of the real perspectives for exhibitors, distributors, producers, and auteurs. These perspectives are in our hands- in your hands," the letter reads. Fremaux and Tavernier said that in spite of all the alarmist predictions, "cinema still exists, it never left us." "Platforms bring out another kind of television; they co-exist as much that the traditional one has done with cinema. We hope we will still speak about them... in 125 years, the age of the Lumiere Cinematograph in 2020," said the letter, referring to the age of movie theatres. The Lumiere Festival, which is dedicated to heritage cinema, will take place from October 10-18 and will showcase some movies that are part of Cannes` official selection. The Lumiere Award will be given to Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, the filmmaking duo who won the Palme d`Or ( highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival) twice and nabbed the best director award for `Le Jeune Ahmed` at Cannes in 2019. Fremaux and Tavernier said they will soon announce the festival lineup and open ticket sales. "We want to express our optimism and our convictions, show the combative spirit that we must have in order to gain back all our energy and understand the new world that surrounds us."

Cannes' chief Thierry Fremaux, filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier pen open letter to support cinemas

Many directors would have been devastated when their plans to show their first feature at the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cannes-film-festival-may-get-cancelled-if-covid-19-situation-doesnt-improve-285859"> Cannes Film Festival</a> were wrecked by the spread of COVID-19. 
 
But Lebanon's Jimmy Keyrouz said he took heart from the themes of his movie 'Broken Keys', which tells its own story of finding hope in the midst of disaster.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/from-parasite-to-the-pianist-cannes-film-festival-winners-you-can-stream-at-home-298901" hreflang="en">From 'Parasite' to 'The Pianist': Cannes Film Festival winners you can stream at home</a> 
 
The film follows a young man called Karim living somewhere in Iraqi and Syrian territory occupied by Islamic State militants and dreaming of escaping to Europe to become a musician. 
 
At the start of the film, the fighters smash up his piano. He then tries to rebuild the instrument to sell it to fund his journey. "If I was to summarise the spirit of the film in one sentence or saying I would say: `Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass - it`s about learning to dance in the rain," Keyrouz told the news agency.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/Priyanka%20Chopra%20to%20Deepika%20Padukone%3A%20A%20look%20back%20at%20Cannes%202019%20red%20carpet-298850" hreflang="en">Priyanka Chopra to Deepika Padukone: A look back at Cannes 2019 red carpet</a> 
 
"I guess it sums up the film pretty well and sums up our situation. You just gotta keep working, keep moving forward."&nbsp; Keyrouz said he filmed part of 'Broken Keys'&nbsp;in the Iraqi city of Mosul. "We filmed in the last area that ISIS (Islamic State) fought, and even there in some places, we smelled ... dead bodies under the rubble." 
 
Cannes chose the film for its 2020 lineup, alongside works by Wes Anderson and other star directors. 
But the world`s biggest cinema showcase, usually held in May on the French Riviera, called off its events during the lockdown. 
 
Organisers this month published the list of their 56-film line-up, saying they still wanted to use the festival`s cachet to help promote the movies. 
 
"I can only be very happy and grateful for Cannes to have supported and selected the film, despite not having the festival," Keyrouz said, adding that he was still hoping to start releasing the film later this year.

Many directors would have been devastated when their plans to show their first feature at the Cannes Film Festival were wrecked by the spread of COVID-19. But Lebanon's Jimmy Keyrouz said he took heart from the themes of his movie 'Broken Keys', which tells its own story of finding hope in the midst of disaster.

Many directors would have been devastated when their plans to show their first feature at the Cannes Film Festival were wrecked by the spread of COVID-19. But Lebanon's Jimmy Keyrouz said he took heart from the themes of his movie 'Broken Keys', which tells its own story of finding hope in the midst of disaster. In pics: From 'Parasite' to 'The Pianist': Cannes Film Festival winners you can stream at home The film follows a young man called Karim living somewhere in Iraqi and Syrian territory occupied by Islamic State militants and dreaming of escaping to Europe to become a musician. At the start of the film, the fighters smash up his piano. He then tries to rebuild the instrument to sell it to fund his journey. "If I was to summarise the spirit of the film in one sentence or saying I would say: `Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass - it`s about learning to dance in the rain," Keyrouz told the news agency. In pics: Priyanka Chopra to Deepika Padukone: A look back at Cannes 2019 red carpet "I guess it sums up the film pretty well and sums up our situation. You just gotta keep working, keep moving forward." Keyrouz said he filmed part of 'Broken Keys' in the Iraqi city of Mosul. "We filmed in the last area that ISIS (Islamic State) fought, and even there in some places, we smelled ... dead bodies under the rubble." Cannes chose the film for its 2020 lineup, alongside works by Wes Anderson and other star directors. But the world`s biggest cinema showcase, usually held in May on the French Riviera, called off its events during the lockdown. Organisers this month published the list of their 56-film line-up, saying they still wanted to use the festival`s cachet to help promote the movies. "I can only be very happy and grateful for Cannes to have supported and selected the film, despite not having the festival," Keyrouz said, adding that he was still hoping to start releasing the film later this year.

Lebanese film director Jimmy Keyrouz keeps faith after COVID-19 dashes Cannes dreams

The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) Film Bazaar has partnered this year with Marche du Film (Cannes Film Market) with five indie films.&nbsp;

Marche du Film will have its first online edition from June 22-26 with the ‘NFDC Film Bazaar Goes to cannes’ programme. The NFDC Film Bazaar is the largest film market of South Asia.&nbsp;

‘Goes to Cannes’ is in its eighth edition and is one of the premier events at the market.

The NFDC Film Bazaar 2019 is pitching five work-in-progress films that will be pitched to international festival programmers, distributors and sales representatives at the Marché du Film Online. The business wing of Festival de Cannes, Marche du Film featured 12,527 participants from the film industries of 121 countries last year.

The debut features includes ‘Dostojee’ (‘Two friends’) by Prasun Chatterjee in Bengali; ‘Fire in the Mountains’ by Ajitpal Singh in Hindi; ‘Pedro’ by Natesh Hegde in Kannada; ‘Shankar’s Fairies’ by Irfana Majumdar in Hindi; and ‘Uljhan’ (‘The knot’) by Ashish Pant in Hindi.

Dostojee

The film is set in a village about the innocent friendship between two boys and their ultimate separation. It’s set in the 1990s, with a strong political, social and religious undercurrent running through it.&nbsp;

Pedro

Journalist-turned-filmmaker Natesh Hegde’s Pedro is about a village electrician of the same name, was shot in his own home town, Sirsi, in the Western Ghats. His entire cast is drawn locally, and includes his father playing one of the roles.&nbsp;

Uljhan

The film is a ‘human drama’ about an accident and the rift it creates between a couple. It’s about how the differing approaches of two individuals to the same incident can trigger fissures, and how and why they react the way they do.&nbsp;

Fire in the Mountains

Ajitpal Singh’s Fire in the Mountains is inspired from an incident in his own family, when an educated and well-read cousin of his died because of lack of hospitalisation, and all because her husband thought she was possessed by a ghost. His film revolves around a progressive woman and an orthodox man and is set in the hills of Uttarakhand.&nbsp;

Shankar’s Fairies

The story of Shankar’s Fairies came from the filmmaker’s own memories of her mother's childhood. “Set in 1962, it is about a nine-year-old daughter of the Senior Superintendent of Police in Lucknow. It is about her relationship with the family servant Shankar and also talks about the social situation of the time,” says the filmmaker.

The five Indian films will be part of the 20 curated projects from four festivals/ markets across the globe. The other three festivals include the traditional ‘Goes to Cannes’ partners — Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), Poland’s New Horizons International Film Festival, and the Thessaloniki International Film Festival.

The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) Film Bazaar has partnered this year with Marche du Film (Cannes Film Market) with five indie films. Marche du Film will have its first online edition from June 22-26 with the ‘NFDC Film Bazaar Goes to cannes’ programme.

The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) Film Bazaar has partnered this year with Marche du Film (Cannes Film Market) with five indie films. Marche du Film will have its first online edition from June 22-26 with the ‘NFDC Film Bazaar Goes to cannes’ programme. The NFDC Film Bazaar is the largest film market of South Asia. ‘Goes to Cannes’ is in its eighth edition and is one of the premier events at the market. The NFDC Film Bazaar 2019 is pitching five work-in-progress films that will be pitched to international festival programmers, distributors and sales representatives at the Marché du Film Online. The business wing of Festival de Cannes, Marche du Film featured 12,527 participants from the film industries of 121 countries last year. The debut features includes ‘Dostojee’ (‘Two friends’) by Prasun Chatterjee in Bengali; ‘Fire in the Mountains’ by Ajitpal Singh in Hindi; ‘Pedro’ by Natesh Hegde in Kannada; ‘Shankar’s Fairies’ by Irfana Majumdar in Hindi; and ‘Uljhan’ (‘The knot’) by Ashish Pant in Hindi. Dostojee The film is set in a village about the innocent friendship between two boys and their ultimate separation. It’s set in the 1990s, with a strong political, social and religious undercurrent running through it. Pedro Journalist-turned-filmmaker Natesh Hegde’s Pedro is about a village electrician of the same name, was shot in his own home town, Sirsi, in the Western Ghats. His entire cast is drawn locally, and includes his father playing one of the roles. Uljhan The film is a ‘human drama’ about an accident and the rift it creates between a couple. It’s about how the differing approaches of two individuals to the same incident can trigger fissures, and how and why they react the way they do. Fire in the Mountains Ajitpal Singh’s Fire in the Mountains is inspired from an incident in his own family, when an educated and well-read cousin of his died because of lack of hospitalisation, and all because her husband thought she was possessed by a ghost. His film revolves around a progressive woman and an orthodox man and is set in the hills of Uttarakhand. Shankar’s Fairies The story of Shankar’s Fairies came from the filmmaker’s own memories of her mother's childhood. “Set in 1962, it is about a nine-year-old daughter of the Senior Superintendent of Police in Lucknow. It is about her relationship with the family servant Shankar and also talks about the social situation of the time,” says the filmmaker. The five Indian films will be part of the 20 curated projects from four festivals/ markets across the globe. The other three festivals include the traditional ‘Goes to Cannes’ partners — Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), Poland’s New Horizons International Film Festival, and the Thessaloniki International Film Festival.

NFDC Film Bazaar ties up with Cannes for first online edition from June 22-23

The Riviera resort of Cannes should have been playing host to the world's biggest names in film. Instead, with its annual film festival postponed and the red carpet rolled up, locals made do with a drive-in cinema in a beachfront car park.

Popcorn, palm trees and face masks: Cannes rolls out drive-in cinema

The Riviera resort of Cannes should have been playing host to the world’s biggest names in film. Instead, with its annual film festival postponed and the red carpet rolled up, locals made do with a drive-in cinema in a beachfront car park.

As dusk fell, the audience settled down in their convertible sports cars and family run-arounds, popcorn on the dashboard and children hanging out the windows, to watch Steven Spielberg’s 1980s Classic ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’.

With cinemas, theatres and restaurants still closed as France cautiously unwinds its coronavirus lockdown, people were content to watch a movie outdoors on a balmy evening on the Mediterranean coast.

“You’ve got to make the most of the moment. It makes up for things a bit,” said one woman. She had driven to the Palm Beach with her grown-up son, who sat next to her wearing a face mask.

The 51 vehicles allowed to the screening were parked in every other space and staff wearing face-shields scanned barcodes on tickets.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cannes-2020-10-movies-that-were-supposed-to-screen-at-this-years-festival-293415">In Pictures:&nbsp;Cannes 2020: 10 movies that were supposed to screen at this year's festival</a>

The Cannes Film Festival was originally scheduled to take place from May 12-23. Beyond the star-studded screenings, production and distribution firms head to the Cote d’Azur to complete deals.

It is not the first time the festival has been postponed. Its inaugural event in 1939 was cut short after the opening screening of the “Hunchback of Notre Dame” because of Germany’s invasion of Poland the next day.

It was also interrupted in May 1968 as a student revolt and labour protests swept across France.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-parasite-to-the-pianist-cannes-film-festival-winners-you-can-stream-at-home-298901">In Pictures:&nbsp;From 'Parasite' to 'The Pianist': Cannes Film Festival winners you can stream at home</a>

Cannes mayor David Lisnard said it was the town’s way of paying homage to cinema, and to show that “we miss the movies.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cannes-film-festival-to-not-go-virtual-will-team-up-with-other-movie-galas-to-show-selected-films-298175">Cannes Film Festival to not go virtual, will team up with other movie galas to show selected films</a>

The Riviera resort of Cannes should have been playing host to the world’s biggest names in film. Instead, with its annual film festival postponed and the red carpet rolled up, locals made do with a drive-in cinema in a beachfront car park.

The Riviera resort of Cannes should have been playing host to the world’s biggest names in film. Instead, with its annual film festival postponed and the red carpet rolled up, locals made do with a drive-in cinema in a beachfront car park. As dusk fell, the audience settled down in their convertible sports cars and family run-arounds, popcorn on the dashboard and children hanging out the windows, to watch Steven Spielberg’s 1980s Classic ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’. With cinemas, theatres and restaurants still closed as France cautiously unwinds its coronavirus lockdown, people were content to watch a movie outdoors on a balmy evening on the Mediterranean coast. “You’ve got to make the most of the moment. It makes up for things a bit,” said one woman. She had driven to the Palm Beach with her grown-up son, who sat next to her wearing a face mask. The 51 vehicles allowed to the screening were parked in every other space and staff wearing face-shields scanned barcodes on tickets. In Pictures: Cannes 2020: 10 movies that were supposed to screen at this year's festival The Cannes Film Festival was originally scheduled to take place from May 12-23. Beyond the star-studded screenings, production and distribution firms head to the Cote d’Azur to complete deals. It is not the first time the festival has been postponed. Its inaugural event in 1939 was cut short after the opening screening of the “Hunchback of Notre Dame” because of Germany’s invasion of Poland the next day. It was also interrupted in May 1968 as a student revolt and labour protests swept across France. In Pictures: From 'Parasite' to 'The Pianist': Cannes Film Festival winners you can stream at home Cannes mayor David Lisnard said it was the town’s way of paying homage to cinema, and to show that “we miss the movies.” Cannes Film Festival to not go virtual, will team up with other movie galas to show selected films

From 'Parasite' to 'The Pianist': Cannes Film Festival winners you can stream at home

Surfers in southern France on Monday (May 11) defied a government-issued closure of beaches as the country started to ease a nearly two-month long lockdown in the battle against the new coronavirus.

Surf's not up: French police chase off lockdown surfers

The Cannes Film Festival will not take place in May as planned due to the spread of the coronavirus, organizers said on Thursday (March 19), adding several options were being considered including postponing the festival until the end of June.

Cannes Film Festival won't take place in May due to coronavirus, organizers say

Cannes 2020: 10 movies that were supposed to screen at this year's festival

Among the top stories that trended in Hollywood circles, Cannes made an announcement that could prove that COVID-19 scare is not leaving the world anytime soon. Cannes has&nbsp;decided to forego two sections that&nbsp;run alongside&nbsp;-- Directors` Fortnight and Critics Week - due to coronavirus pandemic.

Read our top 5 picks today:

Cannes Film Festival 2020: Directors' Fortnight and Critics Week canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic

After weeks of deliberation, the organisers of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival have decided to cancel the two main sections that run alongside the Cannes Film Festival -- Directors` Fortnight and Critics Week - due to coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;The joint decision was taken following France`s ban on events with large gatherings until mid-July.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cannes-film-festival-2020-directors-fortnight-and-critics-week-canceled-due-to-covid-19-pandemic-292790">https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cannes-film-festival-2020-directors-fortnight-and-critics-week-canceled-due-to-covid-19-pandemic-292790</a>

Leonardo DiCaprio offers a date on Martin Scorsese's film set as part of charity challenge; Ellen Degeneres pledges $1 million in support

This could be an opportunity of a lifetime for any movie buff. As part of the All-In challenge, Leonardo Di Caprio and Robert De Niro offered a walk-on role to one lucky fan who would donate to a charity working towards coronavirus relief.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/leonardo-dicaprio-offers-a-date-on-martin-scorseses-film-set-as-part-of-charity-challenge-ellen-degeneres-pledges-1-million-in-support-292898">https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/leonardo-dicaprio-offers-a-date-on-martin-scorseses-film-set-as-part-of-charity-challenge-ellen-degeneres-pledges-1-million-in-support-292898</a>

Selena Gomez files $10 million lawsuit against game that used her face for a character

Selena Gomez is not happy with a mobile gaming company as her team filed a $10 million lawsuit against them for introducing a character that rips off her likeness.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/selena-gomez-files-10-million-lawsuit-against-game-that-used-her-face-for-a-character-292857">https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/selena-gomez-files-10-million-lawsuit-against-game-that-used-her-face-for-a-character-292857</a>

'How sick!': Barbra Streisand, Bill Gates and other celebrities slam Trump for halting WHO funding

US President Donald Trump's decision to stop all funding to the World Health Organization amid pandemic has not gone down well with several celebrities.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/how-sick-barbra-streisand-bill-gates-and-other-celebrities-slam-trump-for-halting-who-funding-292835">https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/how-sick-barbra-streisand-bill-gates-and-other-celebrities-slam-trump-for-halting-who-funding-292835</a>

Not Christian Bale, Leonardo DiCaprio would have been in 'American Psycho' if he had his way

Remember the hit film ‘American Psycho’ that starred Christian Bale in a leading role? Well, there was someone else who wanted that role for himself and despite his stardom did not get it!

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-not-christian-bale-leonardo-dicaprio-would-have-been-in-american-psycho-if-he-had-his-way-292894">https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-not-christian-bale-leonardo-dicaprio-would-have-been-in-american-psycho-if-he-had-his-way-292894</a>

Among the top stories that trended in Hollywood circles, Cannes made an announcement that could prove that COVID-19 scare is not leaving the world anytime soon. Cannes has decided to forego two sections that run alongside -- Directors` Fortnight and Critics Week - due to coronavirus pandemic.

Among the top stories that trended in Hollywood circles, Cannes made an announcement that could prove that COVID-19 scare is not leaving the world anytime soon. Cannes has decided to forego two sections that run alongside -- Directors` Fortnight and Critics Week - due to coronavirus pandemic. Read our top 5 picks today: Cannes Film Festival 2020: Directors' Fortnight and Critics Week canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic After weeks of deliberation, the organisers of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival have decided to cancel the two main sections that run alongside the Cannes Film Festival -- Directors` Fortnight and Critics Week - due to coronavirus pandemic. The joint decision was taken following France`s ban on events with large gatherings until mid-July. Read more: https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cannes-film-festival-2020-directors-fortnight-and-critics-week-canceled-due-to-covid-19-pandemic-292790 Leonardo DiCaprio offers a date on Martin Scorsese's film set as part of charity challenge; Ellen Degeneres pledges $1 million in support This could be an opportunity of a lifetime for any movie buff. As part of the All-In challenge, Leonardo Di Caprio and Robert De Niro offered a walk-on role to one lucky fan who would donate to a charity working towards coronavirus relief. Read more: https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/leonardo-dicaprio-offers-a-date-on-martin-scorseses-film-set-as-part-of-charity-challenge-ellen-degeneres-pledges-1-million-in-support-292898 Selena Gomez files $10 million lawsuit against game that used her face for a character Selena Gomez is not happy with a mobile gaming company as her team filed a $10 million lawsuit against them for introducing a character that rips off her likeness. Read more: https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/selena-gomez-files-10-million-lawsuit-against-game-that-used-her-face-for-a-character-292857 'How sick!': Barbra Streisand, Bill Gates and other celebrities slam Trump for halting WHO funding US President Donald Trump's decision to stop all funding to the World Health Organization amid pandemic has not gone down well with several celebrities. Read more: https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/how-sick-barbra-streisand-bill-gates-and-other-celebrities-slam-trump-for-halting-who-funding-292835 Not Christian Bale, Leonardo DiCaprio would have been in 'American Psycho' if he had his way Remember the hit film ‘American Psycho’ that starred Christian Bale in a leading role? Well, there was someone else who wanted that role for himself and despite his stardom did not get it! Read more: https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-not-christian-bale-leonardo-dicaprio-would-have-been-in-american-psycho-if-he-had-his-way-292894

Top 5 Hollywood news today: Cannes cancels two main sections owing to COVID-19

Some of the major events across the world have been canceled due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic but organisers of the annual Cannes Film Festival are still trying to find ways to host the annual film festival in the coming months. 
 
They admit that the festival, if it takes place, will not follow the original format and that it will be a scaled-down version. 
The festival had already been postponed from its original mid-May dates to late June and early July. 
 
But organisers said this is "no longer an option" after President Emmanuel Macron said cultural festivals could not resume until mid-July at the earliest. 
 
"It is clearly difficult to assume that the Festival de Cannes could be held this year in its original form," the organisers said in a statement, adding they were exploring "all contingencies" to realise Cannes 2020 "in one way or another". 
 
The virus outbreak has ravaged France's glittering spring and summer cultural calender, with organisers last night canceling the world's most prestigious theatre festival in the city of Avignon which had been due to start in early July. 
 
However, Cannes has so far resisted announcing a full-scale cancellation of this year's festival. The festival is a hot bed for advertisers and sponsors every year and the money riding over the entire event is huge.

Macron said in an address to the nation on Monday that a gradual easing of France's anti-virus lockdown could be allowed from May 11, but the big festivals could not take place until mid-July at the earliest, while cinemas and theatres must remain closed for now.

Following Macron's statement, the Cannes organisers said "we acknowledged that the postponement... initially considered for the end of June to the beginning of July, is no longer an option."

They said that discussions had already started with industry participants over what form Cannes 2020 could take.

"Each and everyone knows that many uncertainties are still reigning over the international health situation," the organisers said.

"We hope to be able to communicate promptly regarding the shapes that this Cannes 2020 will take."

The festival was to have announced its line-up this week. Director Spike Lee has been tapped to head the jury, the first person of black African heritage to do so.

Some of the major events across the world have been canceled due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic but organisers of the annual Cannes Film Festival are still trying to find ways to host the annual film festival in the coming months.

Some of the major events across the world have been canceled due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic but organisers of the annual Cannes Film Festival are still trying to find ways to host the annual film festival in the coming months. They admit that the festival, if it takes place, will not follow the original format and that it will be a scaled-down version. The festival had already been postponed from its original mid-May dates to late June and early July. But organisers said this is "no longer an option" after President Emmanuel Macron said cultural festivals could not resume until mid-July at the earliest. "It is clearly difficult to assume that the Festival de Cannes could be held this year in its original form," the organisers said in a statement, adding they were exploring "all contingencies" to realise Cannes 2020 "in one way or another". The virus outbreak has ravaged France's glittering spring and summer cultural calender, with organisers last night canceling the world's most prestigious theatre festival in the city of Avignon which had been due to start in early July. However, Cannes has so far resisted announcing a full-scale cancellation of this year's festival. The festival is a hot bed for advertisers and sponsors every year and the money riding over the entire event is huge. Macron said in an address to the nation on Monday that a gradual easing of France's anti-virus lockdown could be allowed from May 11, but the big festivals could not take place until mid-July at the earliest, while cinemas and theatres must remain closed for now. Following Macron's statement, the Cannes organisers said "we acknowledged that the postponement... initially considered for the end of June to the beginning of July, is no longer an option." They said that discussions had already started with industry participants over what form Cannes 2020 could take. "Each and everyone knows that many uncertainties are still reigning over the international health situation," the organisers said. "We hope to be able to communicate promptly regarding the shapes that this Cannes 2020 will take." The festival was to have announced its line-up this week. Director Spike Lee has been tapped to head the jury, the first person of black African heritage to do so.

Cannes film festival will not be held in its 'in original form': Organisers

With COVID-19 not dying down anytime soon, most news around Hollywood circles today includes updates on actors recovering and film festivals scaling down.&nbsp;

Here's our top 5 picks for today:&nbsp;

Cannes film festival will not be held in its 'in original form': Organisers

Some of the major events across the world have been canceled due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic but organisers of the annual Cannes Film Festival are still trying to find ways to host the annual film festival in the coming months.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cannes-film-festival-will-not-be-held-in-its-in-original-form-organisers-292552">https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cannes-film-festival-will-not-be-held-in-its-in-original-form-organisers-292552</a>

'Game of Thrones' star Kristofer Hivju has recovered from coronavirus, says he is in good health

There's good news for fans of actor Kristofer Hivju. A few weeks earlier, the actor had confirmed that he had tested positive for coronavirus. In his latest post he has revealed &nbsp;that he has now `fully recovered` and is in `good health.`

Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/game-of-thrones-star-kristofer-hivju-has-recovered-from-coronavirus-says-he-is-in-good-health-292574">&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/game-of-thrones-star-kristofer-hivju-has-recovered-from-coronavirus-says-he-is-in-good-health-292574</a>

Taylor Swift, JLo, Pharrell and others to join Lady Gaga's coronavirus relief concert

It’s going to be a full house this weekend as Lady Gaga confirms that more artists will join her for her upcoming coronavirus relief concert ‘One World: Together at Home’.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-taylor-swift-jlo-pharrell-and-others-to-join-lady-gagas-coronavirus-relief-concert-292614">https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-taylor-swift-jlo-pharrell-and-others-to-join-lady-gagas-coronavirus-relief-concert-292614</a>

Rita Wilson opens up about her coronavirus symptoms, warns of the side effects of chloroquine drug

Rita Wilson opens up about her coronavirus symptoms, warns of the side effects of chloroquine drug

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/rita-wilson-opens-up-about-her-coronavirus-symptoms-warns-of-the-side-effects-of-chloroquine-drug-292628">https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/rita-wilson-opens-up-about-her-coronavirus-symptoms-warns-of-the-side-effects-of-chloroquine-drug-292628</a>

Joaquin Phoenix starrer 'Joker' to get a digital release in India on this date

Critically acclaimed and multi-award winning film 'Joker' will soon be available on streaming platform Amazon Prime. The film will be available for streaming on the OTT platform from April 20 onwards.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/joaquin-phoenix-starrer-joker-to-get-a-digital-release-in-india-on-this-date-292651">https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/joaquin-phoenix-starrer-joker-to-get-a-digital-release-in-india-on-this-date-292651</a>

With COVID-19 not dying down anytime soon, most news around Hollywood circles today includes updates on actors recovering and film festivals scaling down. Here's our top 5 picks for today: Cannes film festival will not be held in its 'in original form': Organisers Some of the major events across the world have been canceled due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic but organisers of the annual Cannes Film Festival are still trying to find ways to host the annual film festival in the coming months.

With COVID-19 not dying down anytime soon, most news around Hollywood circles today includes updates on actors recovering and film festivals scaling down. Here's our top 5 picks for today: Cannes film festival will not be held in its 'in original form': Organisers Some of the major events across the world have been canceled due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic but organisers of the annual Cannes Film Festival are still trying to find ways to host the annual film festival in the coming months. Read more: https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cannes-film-festival-will-not-be-held-in-its-in-original-form-organisers-292552 'Game of Thrones' star Kristofer Hivju has recovered from coronavirus, says he is in good health There's good news for fans of actor Kristofer Hivju. A few weeks earlier, the actor had confirmed that he had tested positive for coronavirus. In his latest post he has revealed that he has now `fully recovered` and is in `good health.` Read more: https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/game-of-thrones-star-kristofer-hivju-has-recovered-from-coronavirus-says-he-is-in-good-health-292574 Taylor Swift, JLo, Pharrell and others to join Lady Gaga's coronavirus relief concert It’s going to be a full house this weekend as Lady Gaga confirms that more artists will join her for her upcoming coronavirus relief concert ‘One World: Together at Home’. Read more: https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-taylor-swift-jlo-pharrell-and-others-to-join-lady-gagas-coronavirus-relief-concert-292614 Rita Wilson opens up about her coronavirus symptoms, warns of the side effects of chloroquine drug Rita Wilson opens up about her coronavirus symptoms, warns of the side effects of chloroquine drug Read more: https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/rita-wilson-opens-up-about-her-coronavirus-symptoms-warns-of-the-side-effects-of-chloroquine-drug-292628 Joaquin Phoenix starrer 'Joker' to get a digital release in India on this date Critically acclaimed and multi-award winning film 'Joker' will soon be available on streaming platform Amazon Prime. The film will be available for streaming on the OTT platform from April 20 onwards. Read more: https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/joaquin-phoenix-starrer-joker-to-get-a-digital-release-in-india-on-this-date-292651

Top 5 Hollywood news today: 'GoT' star Kristofer recovers, 'Joker' digital release revealed

&nbsp;As one of the most prestigious events of the entertainment industry, the Cannes film festival got<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cannes-film-festival-postponed-to-june-or-july-report-287558"> postponed</a> to the end of June, the management has now transformed the location that has seen thousands of red carpet galas, into a homeless shelter.&nbsp;

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-movie-shoots-to-award-show-events-that-have-got-affected-due-to-coronavirus-282912">From movie shoots to award show, events that have got affected due to coronavirus</a> 
 
As per The news agency, Cannes Mayor David Lisnard said the measure was needed to protect both the homeless and the entire population from the spread of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-reports-146-new-coronavirus-cases-highest-in-a-week-289033"> coronavirus. </a> 
 
Homeless people will be given clean hygienic quarters, food and medical attention in the requisitioned Palais building.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/8-new-web-shows-films-to-watch-as-you-quarantine-at-home-287555" hreflang="en">8 new web shows, films to watch as you quarantine at home</a> 
 
The city has set up beds and a canteen on the ground floor of the Palais, where the Cannes film market is held during the festival. 
 
There is space for up to 80 people with medical services also provided. Cannes is already putting up the oldest and those people among the homeless community deemed most vulnerable to the coronavirus in hotels and homeless women, which make up a minority, are housed in another shelter in the city.&nbsp;

As one of the most prestigious events of the entertainment industry, the Cannes film festival got postponed to the end of June, the management has now transformed the location that has seen thousands of red carpet galas, into a homeless shelter.

As one of the most prestigious events of the entertainment industry, the Cannes film festival got postponed to the end of June, the management has now transformed the location that has seen thousands of red carpet galas, into a homeless shelter. In pics: From movie shoots to award show, events that have got affected due to coronavirus As per The news agency, Cannes Mayor David Lisnard said the measure was needed to protect both the homeless and the entire population from the spread of the coronavirus. Homeless people will be given clean hygienic quarters, food and medical attention in the requisitioned Palais building. In pics: 8 new web shows, films to watch as you quarantine at home The city has set up beds and a canteen on the ground floor of the Palais, where the Cannes film market is held during the festival. There is space for up to 80 people with medical services also provided. Cannes is already putting up the oldest and those people among the homeless community deemed most vulnerable to the coronavirus in hotels and homeless women, which make up a minority, are housed in another shelter in the city.

Cannes festival venue transformed into homeless shelter amid coronavirus lockdown

Cannes Film Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious events, will now take place somewhere in June or July after it was postponed from May because of the ongoing coronavirus scare.

The 73rd edition of the festival was initially schedule for between May 12-23, 2020.

In a statement, the festival said, “Several hypotheses are being studied to preserve the festival, the main one of which would be a simple postponement. As soon as the development of the French and international health situation will allow us to assess the real possibility, we will make our decision known.”

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Due to the health crisis and the development of the French and international situation, the Festival de Cannes will no longer be able to take place on the dates planned, from May 12 to 23. More info <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cannes2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cannes2020</a> 👉 <a href="https://t.co/peLmfw0gQW">https://t.co/peLmfw0gQW</a> <a href="https://t.co/SVWPasvU23">pic.twitter.com/SVWPasvU23</a>
— Festival de Cannes (@Festival_Cannes) <a href="https://twitter.com/Festival_Cannes/status/1240719066823667712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, the organisers had said that they may go ahead with the festival and are not planning to change the dates but since the pandemic has only grown, the festival is now reconsidering its decision.

As per media reports and source close to the festival, the event might take place between June or July.

In addition, all other film festivals like Tribeca Film Fest, concerts, music shows and film shoots -- have all been cancelled or postponed until further notice.&nbsp;

Cannes Film Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious events, will now take place somewhere in June or July after it was postponed from May because of the ongoing coronavirus scare.

Cannes Film Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious events, will now take place somewhere in June or July after it was postponed from May because of the ongoing coronavirus scare. The 73rd edition of the festival was initially schedule for between May 12-23, 2020. In a statement, the festival said, “Several hypotheses are being studied to preserve the festival, the main one of which would be a simple postponement. As soon as the development of the French and international health situation will allow us to assess the real possibility, we will make our decision known.” Due to the health crisis and the development of the French and international situation, the Festival de Cannes will no longer be able to take place on the dates planned, from May 12 to 23. More info #Cannes2020 👉 https://t.co/peLmfw0gQW pic.twitter.com/SVWPasvU23 — Festival de Cannes (@Festival_Cannes) March 19, 2020 × Earlier, the organisers had said that they may go ahead with the festival and are not planning to change the dates but since the pandemic has only grown, the festival is now reconsidering its decision. As per media reports and source close to the festival, the event might take place between June or July. In addition, all other film festivals like Tribeca Film Fest, concerts, music shows and film shoots -- have all been cancelled or postponed until further notice.

Cannes Film Festival postponed to June or July: Report

WION Wallet: France's Cannes to ban polluting cruise ships. Watch video to know more.

WION Wallet: France's Cannes to ban polluting cruise ships

Hollywood actor Antonio Banderas has portrayed Zorro and Pablo Picasso but he is above all the go-to actor of Oscar-winning director Pedro Almodovar, who launched his hugely successful film career in Spain in the early 1980s. And it was the 58-year-old's nuanced portrayal of Almodovar's alter ego in the director's 'Pain &amp; Glory' that won him the best actor award at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/penelope-cruz-antonio-banderas-reunite-on-cannes-2019-red-carpet-219538">Cannes film festival</a> -- his first major award.&nbsp;

Sporting Almodovar's spiky hair and colourful clothes, he plays the movie's central character, an ageing Spanish director who is plagued by physical and psychological frailty who revisits childhood memories. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-penelope-cruz-antonio-banderas-arrive-at-the-red-carpet-premiere-of-pain-and-glory-in-madrid-203197#penelope-cruz-and-antonio-banderas-203190">See pics of&nbsp;Penelope Cruz, Antonio Banderas at the red carpet premiere of 'Pain and Glory'.&nbsp;</a>

Almodovar, 69, has repeatedly said Banderas gives the "best performance of his life" in the film, which ran in competition for the Palme d’Or top prize.

On accepting his award, Banderas dedicated it to Almodovar, who has cast him in eight films and helped make him a global box office draw. "I respect him, I admire him, I love him, he's my mentor and he's given me so much in my entire life that this award, obviously, has to be dedicated to him," he said.

After decades in the profession, Banderas said it was "mind-blowing" to have won his first major award.

"After 40 years of being a professional actor, I've been nominated for practically everything except the Oscars, and I never got on the stage," he said, citing four nominations for the Golden Globes and two for an Emmy among a string of others that never ended with an award.&nbsp;

"So to get up there tonight was not very good news for my cardiologist!" he quipped in a nod to the heart attack he had in 2017 after which he had three operations.&nbsp;

'There's a pain but also glory'&nbsp;

But Almodovar, too, has gone decades without winning the big Cannes.&nbsp;Over the past 20 years, he has had six films in competition at Cannes but never taken home the Palme d'Or and was conspicuously absent from Saturday night's ceremony, which Banderas said added a note of sadness to his win.&nbsp;

"I would have loved to have Pedro here, that's the truth, but you know, this is the way this profession goes," he said, pointing again to the theme at the heart of the film: pain and glory.&nbsp;

"There is a lot of sacrifices and there is pain behind being an actor or being an actress, but also there are nights of glory, and this is my night of glory."&nbsp;

When Banderas began his acting career he "was a passionate animal who impressed just by his presence", Almodovar told Spanish film magazine Fotogramas earlier this year.

"But now he has matured (after his health scare) and even though he is full of vitality... I can see in his face the experience of someone who knows that he could be dead", he said.&nbsp;

Speaking to Spain's Cadena Ser radio, Banderas said he loved the director because he had made him "reflect on a huge number of things throughout my life".

Back in 1987, Almodovar got him to play a gay killer in 'Law of Desire' at a time when depicting crime in movies "was morally accepted" while two people sharing a same-sex kiss "was spurned as anathema", he said.&nbsp;

'A very romantic face'&nbsp;

During the summer of 1980, Banderas said goodbye to his teacher mother and policeman father and boarded a train for Madrid where he wanted to invent himself. At the time, he was not quite 20.&nbsp;

The following year, Banderas, then an actor at the National Theatre in Madrid, was sitting in a cafe when a man approached and said, "You have a very romantic face, you should make movies."

That man was Almodovar, who went on to give him a small role in his 1982 screwball comedy 'Labyrinth of Passion', which celebrated the hedonistic culture and sexual freedoms that erupted in Madrid following the death of longtime dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.

Banderas describes Almodovar as ''a genius" who is extremely demanding. Under his direction, he played a frustrated Torero in the 1988 film 'Matador', a mental patient who kidnaps a porn actress in the 1990's 'Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!' and a psychopathic doctor in 2011's 'The Skin I Live In'.

Despite not speaking English, he moved to the United States in the 1990s.

His first big success in English was in Jonathan Demme's 1993 film 'Philadelphia' in which he played a lover of Tom Hanks' AIDS-infected lawyer.

He also starred alongside Tom Cruise in the 1994 film 'Interview With the Vampire' and Anthony Hopkins in 'The Mask of Zorro' four years later.

He got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005.

Own theatre&nbsp;

Banderas's love life has been closely followed by the gossip press which said he divorced a Spanish actress in 1996 to start seeing American filmstar Melanie Griffith whom he met on the set of the 1995 romantic comedy 'Too Much'.

The couple, who have one daughter, divorced in 2015 after 19 years of marriage.&nbsp;Since then, Banderas has been seeing Dutch-German actress Nicole Kimpel whom he reportedly met at the Cannes film festival.

Last year, he spent hours in makeup every day to play Picasso in the TV series 'Genius'. Like Picasso, Banderas grew up in the southern city of Malaga, where he participates each year in one of its annual Easter processions and where he is very involved in the theatre world with hundreds of students.&nbsp;

Later this year, he will open a theatre there.&nbsp;

Hollywood actor Antonio Banderas has portrayed Zorro and Pablo Picasso but he is above all the go-to actor of Oscar-winning director Pedro Almodovar, who launched his hugely successful film career in Spain in the early 1980s.

Hollywood actor Antonio Banderas has portrayed Zorro and Pablo Picasso but he is above all the go-to actor of Oscar-winning director Pedro Almodovar, who launched his hugely successful film career in Spain in the early 1980s. And it was the 58-year-old's nuanced portrayal of Almodovar's alter ego in the director's 'Pain & Glory' that won him the best actor award at the Cannes film festival -- his first major award. Sporting Almodovar's spiky hair and colourful clothes, he plays the movie's central character, an ageing Spanish director who is plagued by physical and psychological frailty who revisits childhood memories. See pics of Penelope Cruz, Antonio Banderas at the red carpet premiere of 'Pain and Glory'. Almodovar, 69, has repeatedly said Banderas gives the "best performance of his life" in the film, which ran in competition for the Palme d’Or top prize. On accepting his award, Banderas dedicated it to Almodovar, who has cast him in eight films and helped make him a global box office draw. "I respect him, I admire him, I love him, he's my mentor and he's given me so much in my entire life that this award, obviously, has to be dedicated to him," he said. After decades in the profession, Banderas said it was "mind-blowing" to have won his first major award. "After 40 years of being a professional actor, I've been nominated for practically everything except the Oscars, and I never got on the stage," he said, citing four nominations for the Golden Globes and two for an Emmy among a string of others that never ended with an award. "So to get up there tonight was not very good news for my cardiologist!" he quipped in a nod to the heart attack he had in 2017 after which he had three operations. 'There's a pain but also glory' But Almodovar, too, has gone decades without winning the big Cannes. Over the past 20 years, he has had six films in competition at Cannes but never taken home the Palme d'Or and was conspicuously absent from Saturday night's ceremony, which Banderas said added a note of sadness to his win. "I would have loved to have Pedro here, that's the truth, but you know, this is the way this profession goes," he said, pointing again to the theme at the heart of the film: pain and glory. "There is a lot of sacrifices and there is pain behind being an actor or being an actress, but also there are nights of glory, and this is my night of glory." When Banderas began his acting career he "was a passionate animal who impressed just by his presence", Almodovar told Spanish film magazine Fotogramas earlier this year. "But now he has matured (after his health scare) and even though he is full of vitality... I can see in his face the experience of someone who knows that he could be dead", he said. Speaking to Spain's Cadena Ser radio, Banderas said he loved the director because he had made him "reflect on a huge number of things throughout my life". Back in 1987, Almodovar got him to play a gay killer in 'Law of Desire' at a time when depicting crime in movies "was morally accepted" while two people sharing a same-sex kiss "was spurned as anathema", he said. 'A very romantic face' During the summer of 1980, Banderas said goodbye to his teacher mother and policeman father and boarded a train for Madrid where he wanted to invent himself. At the time, he was not quite 20. The following year, Banderas, then an actor at the National Theatre in Madrid, was sitting in a cafe when a man approached and said, "You have a very romantic face, you should make movies." That man was Almodovar, who went on to give him a small role in his 1982 screwball comedy 'Labyrinth of Passion', which celebrated the hedonistic culture and sexual freedoms that erupted in Madrid following the death of longtime dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. Banderas describes Almodovar as ''a genius" who is extremely demanding. Under his direction, he played a frustrated Torero in the 1988 film 'Matador', a mental patient who kidnaps a porn actress in the 1990's 'Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!' and a psychopathic doctor in 2011's 'The Skin I Live In'. Despite not speaking English, he moved to the United States in the 1990s. His first big success in English was in Jonathan Demme's 1993 film 'Philadelphia' in which he played a lover of Tom Hanks' AIDS-infected lawyer. He also starred alongside Tom Cruise in the 1994 film 'Interview With the Vampire' and Anthony Hopkins in 'The Mask of Zorro' four years later. He got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005. Own theatre Banderas's love life has been closely followed by the gossip press which said he divorced a Spanish actress in 1996 to start seeing American filmstar Melanie Griffith whom he met on the set of the 1995 romantic comedy 'Too Much'. The couple, who have one daughter, divorced in 2015 after 19 years of marriage. Since then, Banderas has been seeing Dutch-German actress Nicole Kimpel whom he reportedly met at the Cannes film festival. Last year, he spent hours in makeup every day to play Picasso in the TV series 'Genius'. Like Picasso, Banderas grew up in the southern city of Malaga, where he participates each year in one of its annual Easter processions and where he is very involved in the theatre world with hundreds of students. Later this year, he will open a theatre there.

Antonio Banderas wins Cannes 2019 best actor for film 'Pain and Glory'

Belgium's Dardenne brothers, already Cannes legends, with two Palme d'Or prizes under their belt, added to their tally on Saturday with the best director award for their story of a radicalised Muslim youth, "Young Ahmed".

After "Rosetta" in 1999 and "L'Enfant" in 2005, "we're starting with a serious handicap," joked Jean-Pierre Dardenne in an interview with AFP before leaving for Cannes.

For a film, "Cannes can be a loudspeaker or the Terminator," he said of Cannes' notoriously picky journalists and critics whose opinions can make or break a movie.

Their "Young Ahmed", which premiered at the festival, is a tight and tense tale of a teenager who embraces Islamic extremism, a sensitive topic in their native Belgium that suffered deadly attacks in 2016.

Like their previous gritty slices of working-class life, the picture is set in their native French-speaking Wallonia, an area that served as the base for the terror cell that also carried out the deadly attacks on Paris in November 2015.

"We don't make a film on a theme, we make a film on characters, we are telling the story of a child," said Jean-Pierre Dardenne, whose films are dark portraits of the region's most blighted corners.

The brothers, who are often called Belgium's kitchen-sink answer to the Coen brothers, said deadly Islamist attacks in recent years drove them to explore how young people can be led so far astray.

"We start the film with a boy who's been radicalised and try to tell how he can or cannot leave this kind of enchantment and come back to earth," Jean-Pierre, 68, told AFP.

"Our film looks at religion, how it can attract or take possession of you completely," Luc, 65, told AFP, noting that it was less concerned with the economic and social factors that usually dominate their movies.

Belgium's Dardenne brothers, already Cannes legends, with two Palme d'Or prizes under their belt, added to their tally on Saturday with the best director award for their story of a radicalised Muslim youth, "Young Ahmed".

Belgium's Dardenne brothers, already Cannes legends, with two Palme d'Or prizes under their belt, added to their tally on Saturday with the best director award for their story of a radicalised Muslim youth, "Young Ahmed". After "Rosetta" in 1999 and "L'Enfant" in 2005, "we're starting with a serious handicap," joked Jean-Pierre Dardenne in an interview with AFP before leaving for Cannes. For a film, "Cannes can be a loudspeaker or the Terminator," he said of Cannes' notoriously picky journalists and critics whose opinions can make or break a movie. Their "Young Ahmed", which premiered at the festival, is a tight and tense tale of a teenager who embraces Islamic extremism, a sensitive topic in their native Belgium that suffered deadly attacks in 2016. Like their previous gritty slices of working-class life, the picture is set in their native French-speaking Wallonia, an area that served as the base for the terror cell that also carried out the deadly attacks on Paris in November 2015. "We don't make a film on a theme, we make a film on characters, we are telling the story of a child," said Jean-Pierre Dardenne, whose films are dark portraits of the region's most blighted corners. The brothers, who are often called Belgium's kitchen-sink answer to the Coen brothers, said deadly Islamist attacks in recent years drove them to explore how young people can be led so far astray. "We start the film with a boy who's been radicalised and try to tell how he can or cannot leave this kind of enchantment and come back to earth," Jean-Pierre, 68, told AFP. "Our film looks at religion, how it can attract or take possession of you completely," Luc, 65, told AFP, noting that it was less concerned with the economic and social factors that usually dominate their movies.

Cannes legends the Dardenne brothers win best director

Mati Diop, the first woman of African descent to compete for the top prize at Cannes with a haunting film about migrants, said on Friday the label made her "sad" but showed how much work there was to do for equality in the movie industry.

The director- whose debut feature film 'Atlantics', set in Senegal, evokes the impact of migrant journeys on those left behind-&nbsp;said she was also driven by a desire to see black lives represented on screen.

"It was really a need, a very urgent need," Diop told a news conference. "It wasn't the only motor of the film, because it is not a motor that is enough to write a story, but at the end of the script, I was like 'Now I want to see these black actors' ... and a lot of people need that."

The French-Senegalese filmmaker took an unusual path to get there, working with a cast of first-time actors-&nbsp;some of whom were approached on the streets of Dakar.&nbsp;

Diop added that she was moved when seeing films with black stars, including those of 'Get Out'&nbsp;director Jordan Peele.&nbsp;

Developed from Diops 2009 documentary short about a Senegalese man who died making a sea crossing to Spain, 'Atlantics'&nbsp;shifts the focus to the women left behind as a group of men disappear on their journey.

Praised by critics for its absorbing atmosphere, the film is richly poetic, lingering on the waves crashing onto the coast-&nbsp;&nbsp;menacingly at times, pulling viewers into a trance at others.

"I think the first idea was to turn the ocean into an accomplice to people leaving by sea. I saw the ocean as a supernatural force which swallowed up youth into its depth," Diop said.&nbsp;

The movie also has other mystical moments, as the narrative takes a ghostly turn.&nbsp;

Diop and three other female directors-&nbsp;Jessica Hausner, Celine Sciamma and Justine Triet- were picked as contenders in Cannes'&nbsp;main competition this year, out of 21 entries.

Diop said it was striking that she was the first black women to make the cut.&nbsp;

"My first feeling, to be honest, was a little sadness, that this only happens now, today, in 2019. It is pretty late, and it is incredible that it is still an event today," she said.&nbsp;

"It is always a reminder that so much work needs to be done still."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Mati Diop, the first woman of African descent to compete for the top prize at Cannes with a haunting film about migrants, said on Friday the label made her "sad" but showed how much work there was to do for equality in the movie industry.

Mati Diop, the first woman of African descent to compete for the top prize at Cannes with a haunting film about migrants, said on Friday the label made her "sad" but showed how much work there was to do for equality in the movie industry. The director- whose debut feature film 'Atlantics', set in Senegal, evokes the impact of migrant journeys on those left behind- said she was also driven by a desire to see black lives represented on screen. "It was really a need, a very urgent need," Diop told a news conference. "It wasn't the only motor of the film, because it is not a motor that is enough to write a story, but at the end of the script, I was like 'Now I want to see these black actors' ... and a lot of people need that." The French-Senegalese filmmaker took an unusual path to get there, working with a cast of first-time actors- some of whom were approached on the streets of Dakar. Diop added that she was moved when seeing films with black stars, including those of 'Get Out' director Jordan Peele. Developed from Diops 2009 documentary short about a Senegalese man who died making a sea crossing to Spain, 'Atlantics' shifts the focus to the women left behind as a group of men disappear on their journey. Praised by critics for its absorbing atmosphere, the film is richly poetic, lingering on the waves crashing onto the coast- menacingly at times, pulling viewers into a trance at others. "I think the first idea was to turn the ocean into an accomplice to people leaving by sea. I saw the ocean as a supernatural force which swallowed up youth into its depth," Diop said. The movie also has other mystical moments, as the narrative takes a ghostly turn. Diop and three other female directors- Jessica Hausner, Celine Sciamma and Justine Triet- were picked as contenders in Cannes' main competition this year, out of 21 entries. Diop said it was striking that she was the first black women to make the cut. "My first feeling, to be honest, was a little sadness, that this only happens now, today, in 2019. It is pretty late, and it is incredible that it is still an event today," she said. "It is always a reminder that so much work needs to be done still."

Cannes contender Mati Diop wanted to see more black actors on screen

Deepika Padukone literally gift-wrapped herself in an exaggerated bow for her first red carpet appearance at Cannes. The actress wore a cream gown with a black-brown giant bow designed by Peter Dundas on Thursday on the Cannes red carpet.

Deepika Padukone literally gift-wrapped herself in an exaggerated bow for her first red carpet appearance at Cannes. The actress wore a cream gown with a black-brown giant bow designed by Peter Dundas on Thursday on the Cannes red carpet. The long trail of the gown further added oomph to the outfit and her beautiful eye makeup added to her overall look. The actress, who is at the festival as a brand ambassador of L'Oreal, revealed her look on Instagram with a caption that read, "Taaaaddaaaaa!!!(sic)”. Needless to say, her husband, actor Ranveer Singh was the most excited to see her look as he showered compliments on Instagram. View this post on Instagram Taaaaddaaaaa!!!🍾🥂 #Cannes2019 @lorealmakeup @lorealhair @lorealskin A post shared by Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) on May 16, 2019 at 8:40am PDT × View this post on Instagram Taaaaddaaaaa!!!🍾🥂 #Cannes2019 @lorealmakeup @lorealhair @lorealskin A post shared by Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) on May 16, 2019 at 8:39am PDT × Earlier, Deepika had shared pictures of her preparation for her red carpet appearance. Also, the diva was spotted rocking chic look at the airport in France. She wore a white button-down shirt, paired with a chambray shirt and loose denim pants. She accessorised her look with polarized black shades and red stiletto heel. Simple red lips and centre parted straight hair completed her look. Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra made her Cannes debut in a Roberto Cavalli gown. View this post on Instagram here we go... #Cannes2019 A post shared by Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) on May 16, 2019 at 5:40am PDT × Last year, Deepika wore an origami gown from Ashi Studio`s Summer/Spring 2018 Collection.In another look, she wowed the fashion police in a sleeveless figure-hugging Zuhair Murad gown with plunging neckline and fully beaded in white shimmering stones with matching cape. Check out what Kangana Ranaut wore for the red carpet at Cannes. At this year`s Met Gala Deepika wore a stunning strapless pink coloured gown by Zac Posen and resembled a life-size Barbie doll. She opted for a retro hairdo and teamed it up with a gorgeous embellished headband. She accessorised her outfit with a pair of pink diamond earrings and a statement cuff. The stunner rounded off her look with an oxblood lip colour and pink smokey eyes. On the work front, Deepika will be next seen in Meghna Gulzar`s `Chhapaak`, which is based on the life of acid attack survivor -- Laxmi Agarwal. The movie also stars Vikrant Massey in a key role.

Deepika Padukone gift-wraps herself in a giant bow for Cannes red carpet

After making heads turn at Met Gala just last week, Priyanka Chopra made a rather classy debut on the Cannes red carpet on Thursday. Priyanka wore a custom made Roberto Cavalli embellished gown for her red carpet appearance.

After making heads turn at Met Gala just last week, Priyanka Chopra made a rather classy debut on the Cannes red carpet on Thursday. Priyanka wore a custom made Roberto Cavalli embellished gown for her red carpet appearance. The gown that Priyanka wore was off-shoulder with a thigh-high slit. She did her eyes in a dramatic style. The former Miss World took to the red carpet with a smile on her face and folded her hands to gesture `Namaste`. Her accessories were limited to statement earrings, while her hair was left simple in loose curls. Meanwhile, Deepika Padukone literally gift-wrapped herself for the red carpet. View this post on Instagram Cannes 2019 @red #5BFilm A post shared by Priyanka Chopra Jonas (@priyankachopra) on May 16, 2019 at 2:06pm PDT × View this post on Instagram Je ne sais quoi A post shared by Priyanka Chopra Jonas (@priyankachopra) on May 16, 2019 at 3:00pm PDT × View this post on Instagram Play time A post shared by Priyanka Chopra Jonas (@priyankachopra) on May 16, 2019 at 3:03pm PDT × Priyanka is at the gala for a brand association. Earlier on Thursday, she was seen at Cannes in a white ensemble inspired by what the late Lady Diana once wore to the Cannes Film Festival. Kangana Ranaut teamed up a classic Kanjeevaram saree with a corset. View this post on Instagram @red #5BFilm A post shared by Priyanka Chopra Jonas (@priyankachopra) on May 16, 2019 at 11:54am PDT × Priyanka had made cryptic Instagram posts ahead of her visit to the Cannes Film Festival, suggesting that her outfits may be inspired by fashion icons such as Lady Diana, Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren.

Priyanka Chopra keeps it classy in Roberto Cavalli creation for her Cannes debut

The New Zealand mosque massacre in which a white supremacist slaughtered 51 people is going to be a movie called&nbsp; 'Hello Brother', its producer told media at Cannes on Wednesday.

''The feature film, which follows a family of refugees that flees Afghanistan for the safety of Christchurch only to get caught up in the carnage, is being made by Egyptian producer Moez Masoud'', he told Variety magazine.

"In Christchurch, on March 15, the world witnessed an unspeakable crime against humanity," Masoud told Variety, saying members of his team were in New Zealand to meet survivors and families of the victims.

"The story that 'Hello Brother' will bring to audiences is just one step in the healing process so that we might all better understand each other, and the root causes of hatred, racism, supremacy and terrorism."

The title is based on the welcoming words spoken by an elderly Afghan man as he greeted the gunman at the doors of the Al Noor mosque.

He was shot dead, but his words were taken up around the world as a rallying call against hate.

News of the production was announced on the second day of the Cannes film festival, just two months after the bloodshed.

Reacting to the announcement, the Christchurch-based Muslim Association of Canterbury, which represents Islamic organisations in the region, said it had not been approached about plans to make any such film.

"We have not had any proposal such as this presented to us nor have we agreed to it," the organisation wrote on its Facebook page, although one man had visited the mosque on Tuesday with some ''vague ideas" about filming something.&nbsp;

"We cannot stop such projects going ahead if filmmakers choose to embark on them, but the Muslim Association of Canterbury regards the dignity and privacy of our community and the dignity of those whose lives were taken as paramount," it said.

Masoud co-wrote the script and the film is being produced by his Acamedia Pictures.

Last year, 'Hotel Mumbai' offered a vivid dramatisation of the 2008 siege at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel as part of a string of attacks that killed 160, while 'U - 22 July' recounted the deadly 2011 rampage in Norway by a rightwing extremist that left 77 dead.&nbsp;

Masoud, who is an influential Islamic scholar, produced the 2016 film 'Clash' about the social and political turmoil which brought about the ousting of Egypt's former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013.

The film opened the Un Certain Regard category at Cannes the same year.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The New Zealand mosque massacre in which a white supremacist slaughtered 51 people is going to be a movie called 'Hello Brother', its producer told media at Cannes on Wednesday.

The New Zealand mosque massacre in which a white supremacist slaughtered 51 people is going to be a movie called 'Hello Brother', its producer told media at Cannes on Wednesday. ''The feature film, which follows a family of refugees that flees Afghanistan for the safety of Christchurch only to get caught up in the carnage, is being made by Egyptian producer Moez Masoud'', he told Variety magazine. "In Christchurch, on March 15, the world witnessed an unspeakable crime against humanity," Masoud told Variety, saying members of his team were in New Zealand to meet survivors and families of the victims. "The story that 'Hello Brother' will bring to audiences is just one step in the healing process so that we might all better understand each other, and the root causes of hatred, racism, supremacy and terrorism." The title is based on the welcoming words spoken by an elderly Afghan man as he greeted the gunman at the doors of the Al Noor mosque. He was shot dead, but his words were taken up around the world as a rallying call against hate. News of the production was announced on the second day of the Cannes film festival, just two months after the bloodshed. Reacting to the announcement, the Christchurch-based Muslim Association of Canterbury, which represents Islamic organisations in the region, said it had not been approached about plans to make any such film. "We have not had any proposal such as this presented to us nor have we agreed to it," the organisation wrote on its Facebook page, although one man had visited the mosque on Tuesday with some ''vague ideas" about filming something. "We cannot stop such projects going ahead if filmmakers choose to embark on them, but the Muslim Association of Canterbury regards the dignity and privacy of our community and the dignity of those whose lives were taken as paramount," it said. Masoud co-wrote the script and the film is being produced by his Acamedia Pictures. Last year, 'Hotel Mumbai' offered a vivid dramatisation of the 2008 siege at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel as part of a string of attacks that killed 160, while 'U - 22 July' recounted the deadly 2011 rampage in Norway by a rightwing extremist that left 77 dead. Masoud, who is an influential Islamic scholar, produced the 2016 film 'Clash' about the social and political turmoil which brought about the ousting of Egypt's former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013. The film opened the Un Certain Regard category at Cannes the same year.

'Hello Brother', film on Christchurch mosque massacre announced at Cannes 2019

The first Cannes look of the `Pirates of the Carribean` actor Johnny Depp as a war photographer is out.

He was accompanied by Japanese actor Minami to feature in the drama `Minamata`.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the drama which is being directed by Andrew Levitas witnesses Depp essaying the character of acclaimed war photographer W Eugene Smith.

Directed from a screenplay by David K&nbsp;Kessler, who adapted the book by Smith and his wife, Aileen Mioko Smith. The film also stars Bill Nighy, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano, Ryo Kase and Jun Kunimura.

The redemptive thriller sees Smith (essayed by Depp) take on a powerful corporation responsible for poisoning the people of Minamata, Japan, in 1971. With the glory days of World War II far behind him, Smith has become a recluse, disconnected from society and his career. But an old friend and a commission from Life magazine editor (Nighy) convinces him to journey back to Japan to expose a big story: the devastating annihilation of a coastal community.

Depp is producing the drama via his Infinitum Nihil banner, along with Sam Sarkar and Levitas under his Metalwork Pictures banner and Gabrielle Tana.

Jason Forman, Stephen Deuters, Peter Watson, Phil Hunt, Compton Ross, Gabrielle Stewart, Stephen Spence, Peter Touche, Norman Merry, Kevan Van Thompson and Peter Hampden are executive producers.

HanWay Films is handling international sales and distribution on Minamata, which will continue in Cannes.

 
&nbsp;

The first Cannes look of the `Pirates of the Carribean` actor Johnny Depp as a war photographer is out. He was accompanied by Japanese actor Minami to feature in the drama `Minamata`.

The first Cannes look of the `Pirates of the Carribean` actor Johnny Depp as a war photographer is out. He was accompanied by Japanese actor Minami to feature in the drama `Minamata`. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the drama which is being directed by Andrew Levitas witnesses Depp essaying the character of acclaimed war photographer W Eugene Smith. Directed from a screenplay by David K Kessler, who adapted the book by Smith and his wife, Aileen Mioko Smith. The film also stars Bill Nighy, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano, Ryo Kase and Jun Kunimura. The redemptive thriller sees Smith (essayed by Depp) take on a powerful corporation responsible for poisoning the people of Minamata, Japan, in 1971. With the glory days of World War II far behind him, Smith has become a recluse, disconnected from society and his career. But an old friend and a commission from Life magazine editor (Nighy) convinces him to journey back to Japan to expose a big story: the devastating annihilation of a coastal community. Depp is producing the drama via his Infinitum Nihil banner, along with Sam Sarkar and Levitas under his Metalwork Pictures banner and Gabrielle Tana. Jason Forman, Stephen Deuters, Peter Watson, Phil Hunt, Compton Ross, Gabrielle Stewart, Stephen Spence, Peter Touche, Norman Merry, Kevan Van Thompson and Peter Hampden are executive producers. HanWay Films is handling international sales and distribution on Minamata, which will continue in Cannes.

Johnny Depp's war photographer look from 'Minamata' out at Cannes 2019

Cannes 2019: Selena Gomez, Julianne Moore, Javier Bardem arrive at the opening ceremony

The parade of glammed-up movie stars at the Cannes Film Festival got off to an unorthodox start on Monday with a crowd of enormous, fluffy birds hogging the limelight on the Croisette boulevard to mark the launch of the 'Angry Birds' sequel. 
 
On the eve of the 72nd Cannes filmfest - set to kick off officially with the premiere of Jim Jarmusch`s zombie film 'The Dead Don`t Die' on Tuesday - producers of the animated movie celebrated its planned release in early August.&nbsp; 
 
'The Angry Birds Movie 2', like the first instalment in the franchise, is based on a Rovio video game where players use a slingshot to attack pigs who steal the birds` eggs. 
 
The first Angry Birds, released in 2016, earned about $350 million at the box office and gave a boost to Rovio`s game sales, helping the company swing to an annual profit after years of falling earnings, job cuts and divestments.&nbsp; 
 
The sequel - in which the birds join forces with their green pig rivals to defeat a common foe - features Jason Sudeikis lending his voice to Red, the main protagonist, with Bill Hader, Josh Gad and Danny McBride also voicing characters.&nbsp; 
 
"We have an amazing crew that we have been working with, and together, we played around, we experimented, we found really funny moments," said director Thurop Van Orman, as people wearing oversized Angry Bird costumes entertained onlookers.&nbsp; 
 
Producer John Cohen said he hoped there would be a third movie to follow.&nbsp;

The parade of glammed-up movie stars at the Cannes Film Festival got off to an unorthodox start on Monday with a crowd of enormous, fluffy birds hogging the limelight on the Croisette boulevard to mark the launch of the 'Angry Birds' sequel.

The parade of glammed-up movie stars at the Cannes Film Festival got off to an unorthodox start on Monday with a crowd of enormous, fluffy birds hogging the limelight on the Croisette boulevard to mark the launch of the 'Angry Birds' sequel. On the eve of the 72nd Cannes filmfest - set to kick off officially with the premiere of Jim Jarmusch`s zombie film 'The Dead Don`t Die' on Tuesday - producers of the animated movie celebrated its planned release in early August. 'The Angry Birds Movie 2', like the first instalment in the franchise, is based on a Rovio video game where players use a slingshot to attack pigs who steal the birds` eggs. The first Angry Birds, released in 2016, earned about $350 million at the box office and gave a boost to Rovio`s game sales, helping the company swing to an annual profit after years of falling earnings, job cuts and divestments. The sequel - in which the birds join forces with their green pig rivals to defeat a common foe - features Jason Sudeikis lending his voice to Red, the main protagonist, with Bill Hader, Josh Gad and Danny McBride also voicing characters. "We have an amazing crew that we have been working with, and together, we played around, we experimented, we found really funny moments," said director Thurop Van Orman, as people wearing oversized Angry Bird costumes entertained onlookers. Producer John Cohen said he hoped there would be a third movie to follow.

'Angry Birds' fly to Cannes for movie sequel

The director of the Cannes Film Festival welcomed the upcoming return to the famed Croisette of filmmaker Quentin Tarantino on the eve of the festival's gala opening on Monday. Thierry Fremaux told a news conference that the director, who won the top prize the Palme d'Or 25 years ago for "Pulp Fiction", was "one of the greatest of his generation".

Cannes director welcomes Tarantino's return

Veteran directors Ken Loach and Terrence Malick head the line-up of a "highly political" Cannes film festival next month, its director Thierry Fremaux said Thursday.

But the big news was that there was no place -- as yet -- for Quentin Tarantino's much-anticipated 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood'&nbsp;starring Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood-presenting-the-first-poster-of-quentin-tarantinos-next-featuring-brad-pitt-and-leonardo-dicaprio-204128">See first look here.</a>

See the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/watch-teaser-leonardo-dicaprio-brad-pitt-get-together-for-the-first-time-in-once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood-204674">teaser</a> of the film here.

Fremaux hinted that the maker of 'Reservoir Dogs'&nbsp;could still make it, saying, "We can hope that some films may join us that we are all waiting before May 14" when the festival starts.

"It is not yet ready," he told reporters. "It's a bit of a sprint... we hope we will have good news to announce (later)."

Loach, 82, who won the top Palme d'Or prize in 2016 with 'I, Daniel Blake'&nbsp;-- which he then said was his final film -- returns with 'Sorry We Missed You', an indictment of the gig economy.

The reclusive Malick will premiere his World War II story, 'A Hidden Life'&nbsp;about a German conscientious objector guillotined by the Nazis in 1943.

The world's biggest film festival, which sees itself as the "Olympics of cinema", will open with cult US director Jim Jarmusch's 'The Dead Don't Die'.

- Almodovar returns -

The zombie comedy stars Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Tilda Swinton and singers Iggy Pop and Tom Waits.

Korean master Bong Joon-ho of 'Okja'&nbsp;and 'Snowpiercer'&nbsp;fame is back with a tragi-comedy film noir called 'Parasite'&nbsp;about the growing divide between rich and poor in his homeland.

Another Cannes regular Pedro Almodovar also returns with his most personal film yet, 'Pain &amp; Glory', which has already opened to great acclaim in his native Spain.

Palestine film-maker Elia Suleiman charts his own struggle to find an alternative homeland in 'It Must Be Heaven'.

Fremaux said the festival was full of "political" movies about "daily life, individuals who battle against adversity. We go into people homes to tackle ordinary problems.

"The festival isn't political, it is the artists who are," he added.

Fremaux said the festival was full of "political" movies about "daily life, individuals who battle against adversity. We go into people homes to tackle ordinary problems.

"The festival isn't political, it is the artists who are," he added.

"Rocketman", the biopic of the pop legend Elton John, with Jamie Bell and Richard Madden, will also be premiered on the Croisette, but out of the competition.

The French film legend Alain Delon, once called the most beautiful man in the world, and the star of such classics as 'The Leopard', 'Monsieur Klein'&nbsp;and 'The Swimming Pool', will be awarded an honorary Palme d'Or.

The festival, whose jury this year is headed by the Mexican maestro Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu of 'Birdman'&nbsp;and 'The Revenant'&nbsp;fame, runs from May 14 to 25.

Veteran directors Ken Loach and Terrence Malick head the line-up of a "highly political" Cannes film festival next month, its director Thierry Fremaux said Thursday.

Veteran directors Ken Loach and Terrence Malick head the line-up of a "highly political" Cannes film festival next month, its director Thierry Fremaux said Thursday. But the big news was that there was no place -- as yet -- for Quentin Tarantino's much-anticipated 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' starring Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio. See first look here. See the teaser of the film here. Fremaux hinted that the maker of 'Reservoir Dogs' could still make it, saying, "We can hope that some films may join us that we are all waiting before May 14" when the festival starts. "It is not yet ready," he told reporters. "It's a bit of a sprint... we hope we will have good news to announce (later)." Loach, 82, who won the top Palme d'Or prize in 2016 with 'I, Daniel Blake' -- which he then said was his final film -- returns with 'Sorry We Missed You', an indictment of the gig economy. The reclusive Malick will premiere his World War II story, 'A Hidden Life' about a German conscientious objector guillotined by the Nazis in 1943. The world's biggest film festival, which sees itself as the "Olympics of cinema", will open with cult US director Jim Jarmusch's 'The Dead Don't Die'. - Almodovar returns - The zombie comedy stars Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Tilda Swinton and singers Iggy Pop and Tom Waits. Korean master Bong Joon-ho of 'Okja' and 'Snowpiercer' fame is back with a tragi-comedy film noir called 'Parasite' about the growing divide between rich and poor in his homeland. Another Cannes regular Pedro Almodovar also returns with his most personal film yet, 'Pain & Glory', which has already opened to great acclaim in his native Spain. Palestine film-maker Elia Suleiman charts his own struggle to find an alternative homeland in 'It Must Be Heaven'. Fremaux said the festival was full of "political" movies about "daily life, individuals who battle against adversity. We go into people homes to tackle ordinary problems. "The festival isn't political, it is the artists who are," he added. Fremaux said the festival was full of "political" movies about "daily life, individuals who battle against adversity. We go into people homes to tackle ordinary problems. "The festival isn't political, it is the artists who are," he added. "Rocketman", the biopic of the pop legend Elton John, with Jamie Bell and Richard Madden, will also be premiered on the Croisette, but out of the competition. The French film legend Alain Delon, once called the most beautiful man in the world, and the star of such classics as 'The Leopard', 'Monsieur Klein' and 'The Swimming Pool', will be awarded an honorary Palme d'Or. The festival, whose jury this year is headed by the Mexican maestro Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu of 'Birdman' and 'The Revenant' fame, runs from May 14 to 25.

Ken Loach and Terrence Malick to head Cannes film festival but no sign of Quentin Tarantino yet

The prestigious 2019 Cannes Film Festival has just revealed that Oscar-winning director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu will head the jury. This will make him the first Mexican to bag this honour, according to the organisers.&nbsp;

Making the announcement, organisers including Pierre Lescure, President of the Festival de Cannes, said, "Cannes embraces all types of cinema, and through the presence of... Babel's director, it is Mexican cinema that the Festival will be celebrating."

As part of the announcement, it was revealed that his work ‘Carne y Arena’ (Flesh and Sand) - a virtual reality project showing life as an immigrant and presented by him at Cannes in 2017 - &nbsp;has launched in France.

Alejandro first hit the jackpot with Cannes in 2006 as he won the best director award for ‘Babel’, a film with a web of narratives spanning three continents and exploring cultural prejudices.&nbsp;

He also won back-to-back best director Oscars in 2014 and 2015, for ‘Birdman’, a black comedy about a washed-up actor starring Michael Keaton, and ‘The Revenant’, which featured Leonardo DiCaprio as a bear trapper battling the elements in the American wilderness.

Meanwhile, the other jury members of Cannes 2019 will be announced at a later date. Alejandro succeeds Australian actress Cate Blanchett as jury head.&nbsp;

On his association with Cannes and reflecting on the big news, he said, “Cannes is a festival that has been important to me since the beginning of my career. I am humbled and thrilled to return this year with the immense honor of presiding over the jury.”

He added: “Cinema runs through the veins of the planet, and this festival has been its heart. We on the jury will have the privilege to witness the new and excellent work of fellow filmmakers from all over the planet. This is a true delight and a responsibility that we will assume with passion and devotion.”

Pierre Lescure, the president of the festival, and Thierry Frémaux, its artistic director, praised him as “not only a daring filmmaker and a director who is full of surprises [but] also a man of conviction, an artist of his time.” They noted that it was “very rare” for Iñárritu to agree to participate on a jury.

The 72nd Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 14 to 25.

The prestigious 2019 Cannes Film Festival has just revealed that Oscar-winning director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu will head the jury. This will make him the first Mexican to bag this honour, according to the organisers.

The prestigious 2019 Cannes Film Festival has just revealed that Oscar-winning director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu will head the jury. This will make him the first Mexican to bag this honour, according to the organisers. Making the announcement, organisers including Pierre Lescure, President of the Festival de Cannes, said, "Cannes embraces all types of cinema, and through the presence of... Babel's director, it is Mexican cinema that the Festival will be celebrating." As part of the announcement, it was revealed that his work ‘Carne y Arena’ (Flesh and Sand) - a virtual reality project showing life as an immigrant and presented by him at Cannes in 2017 - has launched in France. Alejandro first hit the jackpot with Cannes in 2006 as he won the best director award for ‘Babel’, a film with a web of narratives spanning three continents and exploring cultural prejudices. He also won back-to-back best director Oscars in 2014 and 2015, for ‘Birdman’, a black comedy about a washed-up actor starring Michael Keaton, and ‘The Revenant’, which featured Leonardo DiCaprio as a bear trapper battling the elements in the American wilderness. Meanwhile, the other jury members of Cannes 2019 will be announced at a later date. Alejandro succeeds Australian actress Cate Blanchett as jury head. On his association with Cannes and reflecting on the big news, he said, “Cannes is a festival that has been important to me since the beginning of my career. I am humbled and thrilled to return this year with the immense honor of presiding over the jury.” He added: “Cinema runs through the veins of the planet, and this festival has been its heart. We on the jury will have the privilege to witness the new and excellent work of fellow filmmakers from all over the planet. This is a true delight and a responsibility that we will assume with passion and devotion.” Pierre Lescure, the president of the festival, and Thierry Frémaux, its artistic director, praised him as “not only a daring filmmaker and a director who is full of surprises [but] also a man of conviction, an artist of his time.” They noted that it was “very rare” for Iñárritu to agree to participate on a jury. The 72nd Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 14 to 25.

Alejandro G Inárritu named Cannes 2019 jury president

Italian star Asia Argento, one of Harvey Weinstein's first accusers, delivered a fiery speech about the disgraced Hollywood producer and issued a warning to sexual predators during the closing ceremony at the Cannes Film Festival. 
 
"In 1997, I was raped by Harvey Weinstein here at Cannes," the actor said before presenting the Best Actress Award.&nbsp; 
 
"I was 21 years old. This festival was his hunting ground. I want to make a prediction: Harvey Weinstein will never be welcomed here ever again." 
 
Argento added, "He will live in disgrace, shunned by a film community that once embraced him and covered up for his crimes." 
 
She continued by pointing out that Weinstein was not the only predator in the industry and ended her speech with a message that offenders will no longer be able to get away with inappropriate behaviour. 
 
"And even tonight, sitting among you, there are those who still have to be held accountable for their conduct against women. For behaviour that does not belong in this industry, does not belong in any industry or any workplace. You know who you are. You do not belong in this industry. But most importantly, we know who you are, and we're not going to allow you to get away with it any longer." 
 
Argento first revealed that she had been raped by Weinstein in The New Yorker expose about the Weinstein Company producer's history of sexual assault. Argento also admitted that an attempted rape scene in her 2000 film 'Scarlet Diva' was based on the incident. 
 
Following Argento's speech and the presentation of the award, this year's Cannes jury president Cate Blanchett said, "It is hard to stand as a woman".&nbsp;

The actress revealed how she was raped on the sidelines of the festival by the producer back in 1997.

Italian star Asia Argento, one of Harvey Weinstein's first accusers, delivered a fiery speech about the disgraced Hollywood producer and issued a warning to sexual predators during the closing ceremony at the Cannes Film Festival. "In 1997, I was raped by Harvey Weinstein here at Cannes," the actor said before presenting the Best Actress Award. "I was 21 years old. This festival was his hunting ground. I want to make a prediction: Harvey Weinstein will never be welcomed here ever again." Argento added, "He will live in disgrace, shunned by a film community that once embraced him and covered up for his crimes." She continued by pointing out that Weinstein was not the only predator in the industry and ended her speech with a message that offenders will no longer be able to get away with inappropriate behaviour. "And even tonight, sitting among you, there are those who still have to be held accountable for their conduct against women. For behaviour that does not belong in this industry, does not belong in any industry or any workplace. You know who you are. You do not belong in this industry. But most importantly, we know who you are, and we're not going to allow you to get away with it any longer." Argento first revealed that she had been raped by Weinstein in The New Yorker expose about the Weinstein Company producer's history of sexual assault. Argento also admitted that an attempted rape scene in her 2000 film 'Scarlet Diva' was based on the incident. Following Argento's speech and the presentation of the award, this year's Cannes jury president Cate Blanchett said, "It is hard to stand as a woman".

Cannes Film Festival was Harvey Weinstein's hunting ground, reveals his accuser Asia Argento

Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda took home the top prize -- the Palme d'Or for his film 'Manbiki Kazoku' ('Shoplifters') at the 71st Cannes Film Festival. 
 
Kore-eda is only the second Asian Palme d'Or winner this millennium (after Thailand's Apichatpong Weerasethakul for 'Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives', 2010). This is the seventh time that a director from Asia has bagged the coveted trophy. 
 
The director, who was contesting in the festival's main competition for the fifth time, won the Palme d'Or for the deeply felt film about a cobbled-up family existing on the margins of society and fighting to prevent itself from imploding. 
 
Spike Lee's engaging, feisty anti-racism period drama 'BlacKkKansman', the true story of an African-American police detective who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in Colorado Springs in the 1970s, won the Grand Prix, while Lebanese filmmaker Nadine Labaki's neorealist Beirut street life tale Capharnaum earned the Jury Prize. 
 
The Best Director prize went to Poland's Pawel Pawlikowski for the wonderfully well-crafted black-and-white 'Cold War', a 1950s story of impossible love between a music composer and a gifted singer, two strong-willed individuals from dissimilar backgrounds drawn to each other amid disruptions caused by history. 
 
Asian, Arab, and women filmmakers scored big at the closing ceremony of this year's festival. 
 
On Wednesday, in the parallel Cannes Critics' Week, the Franco-Indian co-production 'Sir', directed by debutante Rohena Gera, had won the Gan Foundation Award for Distribution. The film's principal characters-&nbsp; a wealthy young Mumbai man and his efficient, ambitious housemaid are played by Vivek Gomber and Tillotama Shome.&nbsp; 
 
The section's top prize 'the Grand Prix' went to the Brazilian comedy-drama 'Diamantino', about a footballer whose life is upended by an error in a crucial World Cup final and the death of his father.&nbsp; 
 
Besides Kore-eda, Iranian auteur Jafar Panahi (along with co-screenwriter Nader Saeivar) figured on the Cannes 2018 winners list with 'Se Rokh' (3 Faces), which shared the Best Screenplay prize with Italian director Alice Rohrwacher's 'Lazzaro Felice' (Happy as Lazzaro). Lazzaro, one of three women directors in the fray, joined Labaki among this year's winners. The only woman who missed out was Eva Husson, whose "Girls of the Sun", was panned by the critics.&nbsp; 
 
In the sidebar, Un Certain Regard section, where Iranian-born Danish filmmaker Ali Abbasi won the top prize for 'Grans' (Border), a multi-layered, angst-filled identity drama served up with a liberal dose of Nordic mythology,

Morocco's Meryem Benm'Barek bagged the best screenplay award for 'Sofia', a film that, with empathy and courage, addresses the sensitive theme of pregnancy out of wedlock in her conservative country. 
 
Nandita Das' 'Manto', which was the only Indian film to make it to the Un Certain Regard section, did not manage to bring any trophy home. 
 
The acting honours went to Italian Marcello Fonte for his deeply affecting performance as the tragically vulnerable dog-washer in a small town in Matteo Garrone's 'Dogman' and Kazakhstan's Samal Yeslyamova for her performance as an illegal immigrant who abandons her newborn child in a cold, forbidding Moscow in Sergey Dvortsevoy's 'Ayka'.&nbsp; 
 
Jury president Cate Blanchett announced a Special Palme d'Or to 88-year-old Jean-Luc Godard's 'The Image Book'. The French New Wave pioneer was absent-&nbsp;he has never attended the festival since 2004 - and the film's producers accepted the honour on his behalf.

Here are the winners of the recently concluded Cannes Film Festival.

Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda took home the top prize -- the Palme d'Or for his film 'Manbiki Kazoku' ('Shoplifters') at the 71st Cannes Film Festival. Kore-eda is only the second Asian Palme d'Or winner this millennium (after Thailand's Apichatpong Weerasethakul for 'Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives', 2010). This is the seventh time that a director from Asia has bagged the coveted trophy. The director, who was contesting in the festival's main competition for the fifth time, won the Palme d'Or for the deeply felt film about a cobbled-up family existing on the margins of society and fighting to prevent itself from imploding. Spike Lee's engaging, feisty anti-racism period drama 'BlacKkKansman', the true story of an African-American police detective who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in Colorado Springs in the 1970s, won the Grand Prix, while Lebanese filmmaker Nadine Labaki's neorealist Beirut street life tale Capharnaum earned the Jury Prize. The Best Director prize went to Poland's Pawel Pawlikowski for the wonderfully well-crafted black-and-white 'Cold War', a 1950s story of impossible love between a music composer and a gifted singer, two strong-willed individuals from dissimilar backgrounds drawn to each other amid disruptions caused by history. Asian, Arab, and women filmmakers scored big at the closing ceremony of this year's festival. On Wednesday, in the parallel Cannes Critics' Week, the Franco-Indian co-production 'Sir', directed by debutante Rohena Gera, had won the Gan Foundation Award for Distribution. The film's principal characters- a wealthy young Mumbai man and his efficient, ambitious housemaid are played by Vivek Gomber and Tillotama Shome. The section's top prize 'the Grand Prix' went to the Brazilian comedy-drama 'Diamantino', about a footballer whose life is upended by an error in a crucial World Cup final and the death of his father. Besides Kore-eda, Iranian auteur Jafar Panahi (along with co-screenwriter Nader Saeivar) figured on the Cannes 2018 winners list with 'Se Rokh' (3 Faces), which shared the Best Screenplay prize with Italian director Alice Rohrwacher's 'Lazzaro Felice' (Happy as Lazzaro). Lazzaro, one of three women directors in the fray, joined Labaki among this year's winners. The only woman who missed out was Eva Husson, whose "Girls of the Sun", was panned by the critics. In the sidebar, Un Certain Regard section, where Iranian-born Danish filmmaker Ali Abbasi won the top prize for 'Grans' (Border), a multi-layered, angst-filled identity drama served up with a liberal dose of Nordic mythology, Morocco's Meryem Benm'Barek bagged the best screenplay award for 'Sofia', a film that, with empathy and courage, addresses the sensitive theme of pregnancy out of wedlock in her conservative country. Nandita Das' 'Manto', which was the only Indian film to make it to the Un Certain Regard section, did not manage to bring any trophy home. The acting honours went to Italian Marcello Fonte for his deeply affecting performance as the tragically vulnerable dog-washer in a small town in Matteo Garrone's 'Dogman' and Kazakhstan's Samal Yeslyamova for her performance as an illegal immigrant who abandons her newborn child in a cold, forbidding Moscow in Sergey Dvortsevoy's 'Ayka'. Jury president Cate Blanchett announced a Special Palme d'Or to 88-year-old Jean-Luc Godard's 'The Image Book'. The French New Wave pioneer was absent- he has never attended the festival since 2004 - and the film's producers accepted the honour on his behalf.

Cannes 2018: Japanese director Kore-eda wins Palme d'Or, Jafar Panahi's 'Se Rokh' best screenplay

An unusual Scandinavian movie about a relationship between two outsiders that Variety said was "destined to be a cult classic", won the Un Certain Regard prize at Cannes on Friday.

Directed by Iranian-born Ali Abbasi and co-written by John Ajvide Lindqvist, the author of Swedish vampire movie "Let the Right One In", "Border" entertained and baffled audiences at the festival which closes on Saturday.

It is the story of Tina, a strange-looking Swedish customs officer who finds herself drawn to a similarly odd man, Vore, and discovers an uncomfortable truth about her own identity.

Variety critic Alissa Simon called it an "exciting, intelligent mix of romance, Nordic noir, social realism and supernatural horror that defies and subverts genre conventions".

Lead actress Eva Melander said: "It’s a very unpredictable story and people watching it are really touched by it. They go out from the cinema and they kind of forget their mobile phone and wonder: 'What’s this and what did I just see?'".

Un Certain Regard is the second-tier competition at Cannes, which closes on Saturday with the award of the Palme d`Or and other prizes for the films in the main selection.

Among the other Un, Certain Regard winners were Belgian actor Victor Polster, who won Best Performance for his role as a transgender teenage girl`s quest to become a professional ballerina in "Girl".

Directed by Iranian-born Ali Abbasi and co-written by John Ajvide Lindqvist, the author of Swedish vampire movie 'Let the Right One In', 'Border' entertained and baffled audiences at the festival

An unusual Scandinavian movie about a relationship between two outsiders that Variety said was "destined to be a cult classic", won the Un Certain Regard prize at Cannes on Friday. Directed by Iranian-born Ali Abbasi and co-written by John Ajvide Lindqvist, the author of Swedish vampire movie "Let the Right One In", "Border" entertained and baffled audiences at the festival which closes on Saturday. It is the story of Tina, a strange-looking Swedish customs officer who finds herself drawn to a similarly odd man, Vore, and discovers an uncomfortable truth about her own identity. Variety critic Alissa Simon called it an "exciting, intelligent mix of romance, Nordic noir, social realism and supernatural horror that defies and subverts genre conventions". Lead actress Eva Melander said: "It’s a very unpredictable story and people watching it are really touched by it. They go out from the cinema and they kind of forget their mobile phone and wonder: 'What’s this and what did I just see?'". Un Certain Regard is the second-tier competition at Cannes, which closes on Saturday with the award of the Palme d`Or and other prizes for the films in the main selection. Among the other Un, Certain Regard winners were Belgian actor Victor Polster, who won Best Performance for his role as a transgender teenage girl`s quest to become a professional ballerina in "Girl".

Weird romance 'Border' wins Un Certain Regard at Cannes

Veteran Bollywood actor Sridevi was honoured with the TITAN Reginald F Lewis Film Icon Award at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival this year.&nbsp;

The award traditionally celebrates women of the film industry all over the world and also salute the multi-cultural impact on the world of cinema.

Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai and producer Namrata Goyal received the award on behalf of Sridevi's family.

"Janhvi, Khushi and I are overwhelmed with the recognition and tributes and love of millions of her fans being showered on her. Her work and life have touched so many hearts across the world and she has been an inspiration to millions. She will live forever, thanks to her body of work," the actor's husband, producer Boney Kapoor, said in a statement.&nbsp;

Recently, the late actor was also posthumously honoured with the Best Actress award for her performance in "Mom" at the 65th National Film Awards.

Sridevi passed away on February 24 in Dubai.&nbsp;

The award traditionally celebrates women of the film industry all over the world and also salutes the multi-cultural impact on the world of cinema.

Veteran Bollywood actor Sridevi was honoured with the TITAN Reginald F Lewis Film Icon Award at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival this year. The award traditionally celebrates women of the film industry all over the world and also salute the multi-cultural impact on the world of cinema. Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai and producer Namrata Goyal received the award on behalf of Sridevi's family. "Janhvi, Khushi and I are overwhelmed with the recognition and tributes and love of millions of her fans being showered on her. Her work and life have touched so many hearts across the world and she has been an inspiration to millions. She will live forever, thanks to her body of work," the actor's husband, producer Boney Kapoor, said in a statement. Recently, the late actor was also posthumously honoured with the Best Actress award for her performance in "Mom" at the 65th National Film Awards. Sridevi passed away on February 24 in Dubai.

Sridevi honoured at the Cannes Film Festival 2018

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