76th Cannes Film Festival kicks off

Swedish director Ruben Ostlund, twice winner of the Palme d'Or, is president of the festival jury. Ostlund won with 'The Square' in 2017, and 'Triangle of Sadness' in 2022.

A record seven films competing for the Palme d'Or this year were directed by women, according to Xinhua.

With trade unions threatening to cut power supplies during some major events in France due to the government's pension reform, local authorities have laid on extra security services at the festival to deal with potential threats.

This year's festival runs from May 16 to 27, with winners to be announced at the closing ceremony.