Moon rise tale from Cannes

The 65th Cannes International Film Festival got off to a glittering start on Wednesday. For the first time in many years, the opening film was also in competition. American director Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom, a tale of two 12-year-olds in love, got a thumbs up from the critics who matter.

With its heavy-weight cast of Hollywood A-listers, the film also contributed to a dazzling opening night red carpet. Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Ed Norton and Tilda Swinton posed amicably.

Meanwhile, the India Pavillion was buzzing with action. This once disorganised and defunct India platform has become a center for desi activities. Indians and lovers of Indian cinema gather here for networking, panel discussions and parties. Here samosas and chicken tikkas are served — a welcome relief from French bread and salad.

One of the delights of Cannes is also the obscure movies that play in the market. The titles serve as punch-lines. Seen so far: Horny Family (a sex comedy from Hong Kong) and Dear God No! (the tagline reads: When the blood begins to flow, who will be left to scream?).