53rd Annual Cannes International Film Festival Opening And Closing Ceremonies Air Live Exclusively On IFC

For those who can’t make the pilgrimage to the French Riviera this May, there’s no need to worry. The Independent Film Channel (IFC) will be on the red carpet at the Palais for the 53rd Annual Cannes International Film Festival allowing viewers to virtually rub elbows with throngs of celebs as they flock to the gala ceremonies and pose for the paparazzi. This exclusive IFC event kicks off on Wednesday, May 10 at 1:30 PM/ET (encore broadcast at 8:00PM/ET) with IFC’s live, exclusive broadcast of the Opening Ceremony. The ceremony jump starts the 12-day extravaganza showcasing the best from established directors as well as emerging talent.

Filmmakers and stars will gather from around the world to compete for top prize at the Closing Ceremony broadcast live on Sunday, May 21 at 1:30PM/ET (encore broadcast at 8:00PM/ET). Renowned film critic Roger Ebert will host the live presentation of these awards for IFC which include the Jury Prize, Grand Jury Prize, Best Female Performance, Best Male Performance, and the highly sought-after Palme D’Or.

Film aficionados can also get an insider’s look at the festival on ifctv.com via IFC’s Broadband Theater. IFC’s Broadband service offers a live cybercast of both ceremonies as well as daily, multimedia festival updates, interviews and live chats with leading figures from the indie film scene, clips from highlighted films, news and reviews. Web surfers can check in 24 hours at www.ifctv.com to get an exclusive live look at the red-carpeted palais steps with the IFC Cannes Cam.

Ensuring viewers aren’t left hanging between Opening and Closing Ceremonies, IFC will present a movie marathon featuring two films each night from Wednesday, May 10 through Sunday, May 21. The line-up includes Apocalypse Now, which won the Palme D’Or in 1979, as well as other festival favorites Stealing Beauty, Sid & Nancy, Prick Up Your Ears, Girl 6, Mac, Les Voleurs, Mrs. Parker & The Vicious Circle, Naked, Birdy, Crash, Jesus of Montreal, The Double Life of Veronique, and Pelle the Conqueror.