One of our Observers at Cannes got a place at the viewing of the documentary on football star Maradona, by Palme d'Or winner Emir Kusturica. A quick juggle with the ball and a 20-minute-long standing ovation before the start of the film; the "god" hasn't lost his touch... Read more.

The beach at Cannes yesterday. Photo: "G-Rome" on Flickr

From our Observers on the scene, we're following the international film festival in Cannes. Not the stars, but young actors, directors and film addicts who are taking part in the prestigious event for the first time. Here, a young filmmaker who has come to promote his short film and a student who spends all day attending projections and all night in quest of a party invite. Read more...

The French director Michel Gondry is about to release his new film "Be Kind Rewind"; a story of two friends who spend their time remaking famous films- called "sweding"- with the lowest possible budget. To celebrate its launch he has organised a "sweding" film competition in collaboration with Dailymotion. Here's our selection of the best entries and their makers' commentaries.

Image from Gregory Hoepffner et Axel Dallou's "sweded" version of Panic Room

In 2006 the Federal Security Service of Russia (ex-KGB) set up a prize for ‘arts and literature'. Last year, the blockbuster ‘Apocalypse Code' was the winner of Best Film category. Not unique in its message, the film is one of many cultural products that glorify the Russian security agency released each year, some of them requested to be made by the FSB itself. Watch the trailer.