Before we get a single film announcement, Cannes Film Festival has unveiled their pick for who’ll help decide what the best works will be. Following up last year’s jury president Steven Spielberg, Cannes have selected New Zealand’s Jane Campion to head up their 67th annual event. Campion, who is coming off directing Top of the Lake, has a long history with the festival, first stopping by in 1986 with her Short Film Palme d’Or winner Peel (seen below). She also remains the only female director to win the Palme d’ Or grand prize, for The Piano in 1993.
In a press release, she says, “Since I first went to Cannes with my short films in 1986. I have had the opportunity to see the festival from many sides and my admiration for this Queen of film festivals has only grown larger. At the Cannes Film Festival they manage to combine and celebrate the glamour of the industry, the stars, the parties, the beaches, the business, while rigorously maintaining the festival’s seriousness about the Art and excellence of new world cinema. “
The 67th Cannes Film Festival kicks off on May 14th in Frances.
What do you think of Campion heading the jury? Do you like her short?