CNN - 'The Celebration' drawing raves at Cannes


	COMMUNITY
	Message Boards Chat Feedback
	SITE SOURCES
	Contents Help! Search CNN Networks
	SPECIALS
	Quick News Almanac Video Vault News Quiz

"The Celebration" is competing for the Golden Palm at this year's Cannes Film Festival

Eye on Cannes

'The Celebration' drawing raves at Cannes

Web posted on: Monday, May 18, 1998 4:52:22 PM EDT

CANNES, France (CNN) -- The 51st Annual Cannes Film Festival, now hitting high gear, represents plenty of countries in its film fare. But one director from Denmark might have already stolen the show.

Thomas Vinterberg, 29, is winning raves for his film "The Celebration," the story of a man who accuses his father of repeatedly raping him and his twin when they were children, with the full knowledge of his mother. The revelation comes during a birthday party.

The dark tale reportedly left festival-goers drained and speechless after its screening late on Sunday.

"This story is not about hypocrisy, but the level of repression that is all over Danish society. The film reflects the fascism of Denmark," where the far-right Danish People's Party is enjoying growing popularity, Vinterberg said.

Martin Scorsese and Sigourney Weaver are among the jury members of judging this year's entries

Official Selections only a part of the bill

Meanwhile, as many as 1,400 titles may be shown at the extravaganza along the Riviera. Approximately 70 films from 25 different countries are designated "Official Selections" by the festival.

Twenty-two of those films are squaring off for the Palme D'Or -- the festival's top prize -- and several other awards. The winners are picked by a jury led this year by director Martin Scorsese.

Also included on the panel: actresses Sigourney Weaver, Winona Ryder, Lena Olin, and Chiara Mastroianni; directors Chen Kaige, Alain Corneau, and Michael Winterbottom; musician MC Solaar and screenwriter Zoe Valdés.

The United States and Britain are each entering four films. Italy, Denmark and Taiwan have two titles each, while Russia, Greece and Australia have one apiece. Argentina and Brazil have collaborated on "Foolish Heart."

Even films that won't be in competition are making a splash at Cannes

Rising star

The festival this year welcomed its youngest director ever in the "Official Selection" category as 18-year-old Iranian Samira Makhmalbaf presents her debut picture, "The Apple."

Meanwhile, Portuguese director Manoel De Oliveira, 90, delivers "Inquietude," making him the festival's oldest filmmaker.

For those who grow tired of international flavor, there's good old Hollywood apple pie as well. Along with "Primary Colors," which opened the festival, "Blues Brothers 2000" will entertain the masses, and Cannes closes on Sunday night with "Godzilla," which will also debut in American theaters this weekend.

Reuters and Correspondent Laurin Sydney contributed to this report.