A local touch

Rumour has it Martin Scorsese and Mira Nair will make a slew of announcements.

The recently renamed Abu Dhabi Film Festival is also going all out this year with executive director Peter Scarlet (above) announcing the team will host a lavish party for around 1,200 VIP guests at Century Cannes, Vegaluna Beach on Friday night.

"The guests were rapturous about the party we held last year," said Scarlet, who thought it rude to comment on the success of his own party as the host.

"I don't have time to tell you about six years at Cannes as we wouldn't have enough time. Cannes is a factory. It's an efficient factory, but a factory nonetheless. It's a chance to see everyone from the film world for about 35-45 seconds on a red carpet.

"I make trips to benefit the ADFF but Cannes is a festival I go to because I cannot avoid it. It's crazy. A zoo. But it has the advantage of reputation."

ADFF will also have a pavilion at the Festival de Cannes.

The team from the Dubai International Film Festival have always had a pavilion at Cannes but have now gone one step further setting up a permanent office during the festival at a nearby hotel.