Tarantino in seventh heaven as Cannes kicks off

THE Cannes film festival kicked off its annual run of movies and extravagant parties with US director Quentin Tarantino, the enthusiastic president of this year’s jury, declaring the event “heaven”.

For 12 days, the French Riviera city hosts a dizzying run of screenings, publicity spectacle, deal-making and exclusive parties attended by more than 15,000 people.

A galaxy of A-list stars are expected, including Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron, Cameron Diaz, Penelope Cruz, Uma Thurman, Tom Hanks, Sharon Stone and Sean Penn.