First UK film to premiere at Cannes
Updated on 14 May 2009
A drama about family life has been shown at Cannes, beginning the British campaign at the famous film festival.
Fish Tank, directed by Andrea Arnold, centres around a teenager and the disruptive effect her mother's new boyfriend has on their family.
The film stars Michael Fassbender, who won plaudits for his portrayal of Bobby Sands in last year's Hunger, alongside 17-year-old first-time actress Katie Jarvis - discovered by Arnold while arguing with her boyfriend at Tilbury station in Essex.
Other UK films competing for the coveted Palme d'Or are Jane Campion's Bright Star and Ken Loach's Looking for Eric, which stars former Manchester United footballer Eric Cantona.
They face stiff competition from some cinema heavyweights as they battle for the Palme d'Or - legendary directors Pedro Almodovar from Spain, Lars von Trier from Denmark and Ang Lee from Taiwan are all up for the award.
The 62nd festival began with a gala screening of Up, the new 3D animation from Pixar-Disney.
The festival runs until May 24.
© Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
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