Emma Watson cannes

Emma Watson cannes, PARIS: Filmmaker Sofia Coppola's film "The Bling Ring" starring Harry Potter star Emma Watson will open the Cannes Film Festival's new talent section Un Certain Regard, organisers said on Wednesday.

British actress Emma Watson at the screening of her "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" in London's Mayfair on September 26, 2012. (AFP/MAX NASH)

PARIS: Filmmaker Sofia Coppola's film "The Bling Ring" starring Harry Potter star Emma Watson
will open the Cannes Film Festival's new talent section Un Certain Regard, organisers said on Wednesday.

Inspired by a true story, the film tells the tale of a group of adolescents who rob the homes of celebrities after becoming obsessed with the world of "beautiful people" and luxury consumer goods.

Danish director, scriptwriter and producer Thomas Vinterberg was also named as president of the section's jury.

Artistic director Thierry Fremaux will on Thursday unveil the films in the running for festival's coveted Palme d'Or at a press conference in Paris.

About 50 films will be named in the official selection -- half in the official race for the Palme d'Or and the other half in the Un Certain Regard section.

The French Riviera film fest, the world's premier cinema showcase, runs from May 15-26.

- AFP/gn