Sean Penn to head Cannes filmfest jury in 2008

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2008

PARIS (AFP) — Sean Penn, the Oscar-winning US actor-turned director once known as Hollywood's "enfant terrible", is to head the jury of the 2008 Cannes filmfest, organisers said in a statement Thursday.

A blunt talker with a sharp political conscience and a career that has gone from strength to strength, Penn seems perfect for the role next May at a film extravaganza as well known for being a window on the world as for its glam and its buzz.

"In the last few years," said Penn in response, "there has been a rejuvenation of cinema building worldwide, increasingly thoughtful, provocative, moving and imaginative ... A new generation of filmmaking may have begun."

"The Cannes Film Festival has long been the epicentre in the discovery of new waves of filmmakers,"...