PARIS, March 13, 2006 (AFP) - US director Jonathan Demme is to head the jury at the Cognac international thriller and film noir festival taking place next month in south-western France, the event's organisers said on Monday.

"I am deeply honoured and excited to be this year's jury president at the very cool annual Cognac thriller film festival," Demme — who directed the spine-chilling 1991 blockbuster 'The Silence of the Lambs' — was quoted as saying in a French-language statement.

"Cognac puts the focus on the thriller, on the spirit of film noir, on what is provocative, daring and youthful in contemporary world cinema."

"Each year, Cognac makes its mark with enthusiasm, style and confidence and it's wonderful to be taking part in this year's edition," Demme said.

The Cognac festival, held on April 6-9, will reward the best of seven international feature films as well as a selection of French short films, with a special 'Young Blood' prize for an up-and-coming director.

Copyright AFP

Subject: French news, What's on, events in France, festivals in France