One of the world's most prestigious showpieces for new films has opened its doors. The 56th Cannes International Film Festival kicked off on Thursday evening.
With its heady combination of glamour, art and commerce, the Cannes festival has become arguably the most important event of its kind in the world.
Opening night featured a parade of celebrities, including Meg Ryan and Chinese Actor and Director Jiang Wen, as jury members.
The film shown on opening night was the fourth version of Fanfan la Tulipe, a comic swashbuckler starring Vincent Perez and Penelope Cruz.
Twenty films from 13 countries including China's, Purple Butterfly, will be vying for the prestigious Golden Palm for best film of the festival.
The festival will close on May 25.
(Cri.com May 16, 2003)
