Asghar Farhadi launches 70th Cannes Film Festival

Iranian Academy Award winning filmmaker Asghar Farhadi has launched the 70th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in France.

Farhadi started the world cultural event through a speech that he delivered at the opening ceremony.

“I wish you 12 days full of enthusiasm,” Oscar-winning Iranian director Farhadi said as he declared the festival officially open alongside French-American actress Lily-Rose Depp, daughter of Hollywood star Johnny Depp.

“Twelve days to discover films that make you think about the human condition today. Welcome to the 70th Cannes festival,” he added.

The 70th edition of the Cannes Film Festival started yesterday in attendance of a large number of cinema stars from around the world.

The prestigious film festival is celebrating its 70th anniversary while security at this year's Cannes is higher than ever.

There are 19 films in competition for the coveted Palme d'Or, starring a number of international actors, including Julianne Moore, Michelle Williams, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Robert Pattinson, Will Smith and Jessica Chastain.

Iran’s representative at Cannes 2016, ‘The Salesman’ was the only two-award-winner with Asghar Farhadi winning Best Screenplay award and Shahab Hosseini grabbing Best Actor award.

The 70th annual Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to be held May 17-28, 2017.

MG/MMF