video transcript

Cannes is set to roll out the red carpet for the 64th time. And while the glitz and glam was lacking at previous festivals, the organizers are determined to make it up this year. With more Hollywood star power, more buzz in competition, and more big budget titles out of competition it looks like Cannes is set to finally shed off the recession blues. This is Gregg Kilday, Film Editor at the Hollywood Reporter. (SOUNDBITE) Gregg Kilday, Hollywood Reporter Film Editor, saying (English) : "There's a lot of high profile films from name directors plus a lot of intriguing projects from first time or very new developing directors, all of which have a certain amount of star power attached to them. So if all the elements come into place the way they look on paper it could be a very exciting festival." Opposite the famous Palais de Festival some dedicated fans have already set up camp. Samson is a regular to the festival. (SOUNDBITE) Samson, Festival Fan, saying (French): "Here's the scene of the crime. It's my 16th festival. (OFF CAMERA, ANOTHER FAN SAYS: It's my 30th). I have more than 20,000 photos - I say I've got more than 20,000." Festival goers won't be disappointed. On the director's front we can expect favourites Pedro Almodovar, Lars Von Trier, Woody Allan and Terrence Malick who brings his long anticipated "The Tree of Life" to the competition. Celebs including Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Carey Mulligan, Kirsten Dunst and Ryan Gosling are also expected. Adding a good portion of Hollywood flair to the Riviera will be the premiere of the fourth instalment of Disney's record breaking "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise "On Stranger Tides". Tim Gray of Variety Magazine (SOUNDBITE) Tim Gray, Variety Editor, saying (English) : "The "Pirates of the Caribbean" ("On Stranger Tides") is opening world-wide in just a couple of weeks so they're using this as a launch pad and so it's going to be fun. I think they're going to do a big deal and you know the crowds are going to go nuts for Johnny Depp so I think that's going to be really fun and it's on a Saturday night so all the tourists will come in, it's going to be a real hoopla." Two weeks filled with parties, events and lots of surprises lie ahead with high hopes that Cannes will remind us once more why it is regarded the biggest and best film festival in the world. Kathi Urban, Reuters.