Cannes reacts to Manchester terror attack

The 70th Cannes film festival currently underway in France observes a minute of silence as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives in Manchester terror attack.

The ceremony was held on Tuesday 3 pm local time while fireworks and a parallel event was called off.

This comes as security at this year's Cannes is higher than ever, media reports said.

There are 19 films in contention 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.

Cannes aims to draw attention and raise the profile of films, with the goal of contributing towards the development of cinema.

The festival’s official selection serves to highlight the diversity of cinematic creation through its different sections, each of which having its own distinct identity.

The 70th edition of Cannes Film Festival will wrap up May 28, 2017 in the French city of Cannes.

The terror attack at Manchester Arena in the UK on Monday night killed scores of people.

ES/AG