Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi was invited to be a judge at the 59th Cannes film festival that will take place from May 17 to 28. The list of all the jury members will be formally announced on April 20th.

 

Although a spokesperson for Zhang refused to comment, the president of the Huayi Brothers Company, Wang Zhonglei, says Zhang will probably at least attend the event, as she has promised to join in on promotional activities for the film The Banquet at the festival.

 

Chinese film director Wong Kar Wai will be the president of the jury this year.

 

In a statement released by organizers, Wong said he was very honored to have been named as the president of the jury at this year's festival.

 

　　

 

"Each city has its own language. In Cannes, it is the language of dreams. Yet it is difficult to judge someone's dream much less compare it to another," Wong said in the statement. 　　

 

He also offered some poetic advice: "One can never expect the wind, but should always keep one's window open." 　　

 

"Along with my fellow jurors, I look forward to sharing the dreams created by some of the most gifted talents in contemporary cinema. And our goal will be to keep our windows open as wide as possible," he added.

 

(CRI April 12, 2006)