04/04/2003 - Uncertainty surrounds progra-mme but Matrix Reloaded is confirmed, with maybe Berg-man, von Trier & Eastwood

Lots of "maybes" and just a few "definites" characterise the final run-up to the 56th Cannes Film Festival, scheduled to unroll from 14-25 May.
Although the official programme won't be announced for another three weeks, Matrix Reloaded, by brothers Andy and Larry Wachowski, will be screened out of competition at a star-studded gala event on 15 May with its two European stars, Italy's Monica Bellucci and France's Lambert Wilson as well as Keanu Reeves. The festival will open on 14 May with Fanfan la Tulipe [+see also:
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film profile] presented by the star, Penelope Cruz.

No news has been forthcoming as to the films in competition this year although rumours are rife. The most likely titles to be selected appear to be : Saraband [+see also:
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Sadly the latest offerings from the Coen brothers, Quentin Tarantino, Wong Kar-Wai and Theo Angelopoulos will not be on the Croisette since none managed to finish editing in time. Also Michael Haneke’s new film, Le temps des loups will only be screened just once and out of competition to boot since the cast includes Patrice Chereau who also happens to be this year’s jury president.

The French titles being touted include Gilles Marchand’s Qui a tué Bambi, Arnaud Desplechin's En compagnie des hommes, Bruno Dumont and Twenty-Nine Palms, André Téchiné's Les égarés, Claude Miller and La petite Lili), Jacques Rivette's Marie et Julien, François Ozon’s Swimming Pool [+see also:
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film profile] and many others besides. It's still very much an open race.

Last but by no means least, the Caméra d’Or jury which chooses the best first film of the entire festival, be it in competition or in any one of the various sections, will be presided over by French director Christian Vincent (La discrète, La séparation).

(Translated from French)