Some of the biggest names in international cinema are gathering in Cannes for the world's most influential film festival. Twenty films are competing for the top prize, the Palme d'Or. This report from Rebecca Jones:

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Among the influential directors returning to the Croisette: Lars Von Trier, David Cronenberg and Wim Wenders. The best emerging directors from the Far East will appear alongside them, including Johnny Tow whose martial arts thriller, "Election," is set in Hong Kong.

And for the first time an Iraqi film "Kilometre Zero," is also in the running for the Palm d'Or. It's about a young Iraqi Kurd who's forced into the army during the Iran Iraq war.

America takes more of a back seat this year, although Woody Allen's new film, "Match Point," which was shot in London, receives its premiere out of competition as does the final part of "Star Wars: Episode III- Revenge of the Sith." And Hollywood stars will be on hand to add glamour to the twelve-day event, including Scarlett Johannson, Sharon Stone and Penelope Cruz.

Rebecca Jones, BBC, Cannes

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facing criticism
listening to negative opinions

eclectic
not following any one particular set of ideas, but using parts of many different ones; selecting ideas from various sources

pulling out all the stops
making the greatest possible effort to be successful

emerging
new

alongside
together with

in the running
competing

forced into the army
made to serve in the army against his will

takes more of a back seat
is not as active as usual

receives its premiere out of competition
is shown for the first time but not as part of the contest

on hand
present

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