By most accounts, last year’s Cannes Film Festival was one of the worst in years. The lineup was fairly tepid, and overall, there was a considerable lack of buzz on the Croisette. From most colleagues we talked to at the fest, it was widely regarded as one of poorer showings in quite some time. Well, if 2010 was a disappointment, 2011 is gearing up to be one helluva show. Robert De Niro has just been announced as the President of the Jury for the 64th Cannes Film Festival. Nice.
“As co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival and the Doha Tribeca Film Festival I have an increased appreciation for the jury, who serve, undertaking an important role in choosing films that are represented in the world of film at its highest level, and these types of festivals help connect the international film community and have a lasting cultural impact,” De Niro said in a statement. “Having served as President of the Jury in the eighties twice, I know this isn’t an easy task for me or my fellow jury members, but I’m very honored and happy to head the jury for this year’s Cannes Film Festival.”
While we’ll have to wait to hear about the lineup for this year’s fest the potential lineup could be amazing with Terrence Malick, Lars Von Trier, Pedro Almodovar, David Cronenberg, Woody Allen, Walter Salles, Richard Linklater and Gus Van Sant with films in various states that could be ready Cannes. We’re drooling at the possibilities.
The Cannes Film Festival runs from May 11-22, 2011.
