"Sin City"
(Palm Beach VIP Room)

The stunning black-and-white look of Dimension's In Competition entry "Sin City" carried over into its post-screening bash Wednesday night at Palm Beach's VIP Room at the end of the Croisette. But not in the visual sense. The stark contrast, instead, was in how markedly different the party experience seemed depending on which side of the VIP barricade one happened to be standing. While a smattering of aloof partygoers hung around a large, circular bar in the center of the main room, anyone involved with the film and their guests were cocooned in a more intimate outdoor setting walled off by a clear plastic sheet. Director Robert Rodriguez and comics genius Frank Miller chatted under the stars with torches blazing as 200 or so fans of their movie lingered on the other side of the transparent barrier, only 10 or so of them dancing to a mix of forgettable pop-rock piped in overhead. A chill outdoor seating area was, thankfully, warmed by tall heat lamps on a night every bit as chilly as "Sin City's" creepy assassin Kevin.

Attendees: "Sin City" directors Rodriguez and Miller, stars Benicio del Toro, Clive Owen, Brittany Murphy, Jessica Alba, Michael Madsen, Harvey and Bob Weinstein, Morgan Freeman, Salma Hayek, Rose McGowan, George Lucas, "Wolf Creek" director Greg McLean.

Cuisine: Tiny, fish-heavy finger food included sushi and seared ahi. A foie gras stacker was ill-conceived.

Highlights/lowlights: The well-stocked bar included mini bottles of Vittel water and high-end alcohol, all illuminated by enormous gold candelabras. However, any attempt at noir overtones -- including wait staff and bartenders dressed in head-to-toe black -- was undone by cheesy white seating reminiscent of "2001: A Space Odyssey." Inside, rows of flat-screen TVs looped the film's trailer, diverting guests' attention from the fact that the real party was outside.

Verdict: 1.5 martinis

Brazil party
(Royal beach)

Wednesday's dinner to celebrate the Brazilian presence at this year's fest was a judicious blend of Copacabana chic, with some guests decked out in jewels provided by sponsor Leon Hattot, and Croisette catering that sent guests away feeling satisfied on the food front but perhaps craving a little more hip action.

Attendees: Pele was the star of the show, posing gamely for a zillion photos and shaking hands with those eager to say they'd been close to one of the truly global sporting legends. Also on hand were Brazilian minister of culture Gilberto Gil and Marche du Film chief Jerome Paillard.

Cuisine: Invitees were greeted by a glass of tradition Brazilian caipirinha and a steaming cup of black bean soup, also a Brazilian specialty, we were told. There were tables filled with nibbly bits, including salmon pate and big, fat prawns that guests could have filled up on -- but it would have been a mistake because the main course with roast beef, broiled fish and all the fixin's was fantastic. The champagne and wine flowed until the wee hours.

Highlights/lowlights: A relaxed dinner event, the soiree was cosseted by the subtle sounds of a Brazilian three-piece as guests enjoyed a convivial dinner with a view across the bay. But surprisingly, the anticipated bossa rhythms never materialized, and the evening stayed mellow until the end.

Verdict: 3.5 martinis


"Wolf Creek" party
Budweiser Big Eagle Yacht

The Weinsteins hosted a soiree Tuesday night for their Directors' Fortnight title "Wolf Creek," the first film under their new distribution banner. The Australian horror pictures about a serial killer in the Outback, which is based on real events, received a warm introduction at its official screening, with Directors' Fortnight selector Olivier Pere calling it "a hyperrealistic nightmare that blows the boundaries of fear and discomfort." He said first time director Greg McLean "made a brilliant film and succeeded where so many fail -- to scare and yet remain credible." After the film, shell-shocked but impressed guests moved to a swanky party on the Big Eagle yacht moored at Port de Cannes.

Attendees: "Sin City" stars Jessica Alba, Benicio Del Toro, Michael Madsen and Mickey Rourke, Harvey Weinstein, Miramax International executive vp Jere Hausfater, "Wolf Creek" director McLean, star Cassandra Magrath, producer David Lightfoot, executive producer Matt Hearn, director of photography Will Gibson and makeup artist Jen Lamphee, Arclight's managing director Gary Hamilton, Mushroom Pictures CEO Martin Fabinyi.

Cuisine: Substantial servings of salmon, rare roast beef and chicken dishes made for a delicious but hefty late-night meal. Delicate desserts included strawberries dipped in white chocolate and mini custard tarts topped with raspberries. Champagne flowed and kept the mood ambient.

Highlights/lowlights: Slippers supplied to guests to preserve the shining deck of the lovely yacht looked ridiculous and felt great -- until they started to soak up the rain. Ugh, wet feet! The crowd was tres gentile, but the combination of a midnight start and the rain meant the party was relatively subdued.

Verdict: 3 martinis

International Film Guarantors lunch
(Hotel du Cap)

"If I'd known about this lunch, I would've joined the entertainment industry earlier," said Lauren Bailey, head of the entertainment unit for the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, which acquired IFG this year. A lavish way of thanking to IFG's clients and associates, the lunch always attracts a who's who of production executives, distributors, agents, financiers, lawyers and accountants. This year, things began with a toast from IFG's Steve Mangel to the memory of Joan Weidman, IFG's longtime president of production, who died in February of complications from cancer.

Attendees: Alongside hosts Mangel and Bailey was IFG's U.K. managing director Luke Randolph and a sea of people on the terrace of the du Cap. Enjoying the view and food was Fox Searchlight's Stephen Gilula, Comerica's Morgan Rector, Ingenious Film and TV's Duncan Reid, Civilian Content Film's Chris Auty, ICM's Hal Sadoff and Myriad's Kirk D'Amico among others.

Cuisine: A vast buffet of mostly vegetarian and fish offerings followed by a go-back-because-you-just-can't help it dessert buffet and free-flowing champagne and rose. One attendee, however, was overheard to say that more hot food would have been good.

Highlights/lowlights: Great view, great company, great food, great party.

Verdict: 4.5 martinis


Korean Film Night
(Miramar Beach)

As Korean films grow in popularity both in the festival and market, this party, held under the umbrella of the Korean Film Council, continues to blossom in kind. This year's was a lively affair, though like every party held Tuesday night, the torrential rain made for many wet arrivals.

Attendees: Almost all of the Korean sales contingent was on hand including ShowEast's Michelle Son, Cinema Service's Jennifer Muhn, Tube Entertainment's Bill Hwang, Mirovision's Jason Chae, CineClick Asia's Youngjoo Suh, as well as most of the directors of the Korean films In Competition and Directors' Fortnight and some actors. Also present were Song Jee Young from the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, which is looking to become more involved in the industry, and Kang Sung-Kyu, who runs the Pusan Promotion Plan, the film financing component of the Pusan International Film Festival.

Cuisine: Basic nibbles but a busy generous bar.

Highlights/lowlights: Loud and lively, this was a great opportunity to network with all the key players from one of the most vibrant film industries in the world.

Verdict: 3 martinis

Focus Features
(Baoli Club)

Hits such as "Lost in Translation," "21 Grams" and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" have given Focus Features plenty to celebrate, and they didn't hold back Monday night at the company's party at the Baoli. The team from "Broken Flowers" -- stars Bill Murray and Tilda Swinton along with director Jim Jarmusch -- huddled together in a cocoon of privacy, and the rest of the cool, relaxed crowd sent out a great vibe.

Attendees: "Flowers" stars Murray and Swinton and director Jarmusch, executive director of IFP Michelle Byrd, "Bride and Prejudice" director Gurinder Chadha, Focus chief David Linde, head of production John Lyons and publicity maven Adriene Bowles, LA Film Festival programming director Rachel Rosen, New York Times reviewers A.O. Scott and Manhola Dargis, Village Voice critic Jay Hoberman

Cuisine: Eats were tiny and delicious. Such alcohol-absorbing fare as spinach and cheese stuffed pastries, bite-size toasted sandwiches, pate and spring rolls were the order of the day, along with a selection of yummy hors d'oeuvres. The drinks were great. Delicious fruit cocktails for those too pickled to drink any more booze, and vanilla and raspberry vodka for those who weren't, along with decent champagne and wine.

Highlights/lowlights: The fabulous DJ spun smooth and funky tunes by the likes of Marvin Gaye all night at a level that actually allowed people to talk. The dance floor was pumping inside as outside underdressed attendees hung gratefully under large heaters -- after all, was anyone expecting this weather? The only negative was the bridge over troubled water, which one festivalgoer tripped over only to fall straight into the arms of Bill Murray, who was decidedly unamused.

Verdict: 4 martinis

BBC Films cocktail party
(L'Annex Plage)

BBC Films might just be outgrowing this Plage location as its now regular cocktail party has evolved into a popular stop-in for industry movers and shakers. A who's who of the British film industry mingled with a smattering of stars and overseas executives, flitting around the rather cramped venue. But of course, in true British style, no one complained too loudly about the crowds. It just isn't the done thing, Jeeves.

Attendees: BBC Films brass Alan Yentob and David Thompson, Ealing Studios' Barnaby Thompson, Buena Vista International's Daniel Battsek, United International Pictures president and CEO Stewart Till, "The Office" star Lucy Davis and stand-up comic and actor Eddie Izzard.

Cuisine: Finger food was the order of the day for the party because at a British function no one likes to let solids get in the way of the drinking. Champagne on arrival; white wine after that for most.

Highlights/lowlights: The venue just not being quite big enough with the beach tent filled to capacity by the hobnobbers. But the evening sun, the beach and the chatty, friendly atmosphere all highlighted just what a Cannes cocktail should be.

Verdict: 3 martinis

German films
(Villa Babylone)

The annual German film bash has found its groove. After years of sweaty celebrations at the Marche that had all the style and charm of an Oktoberfest beer tent in Boise, Idaho, the German industry's must-go event returned this year to the Villa Babylone and the smooth style and easy comfort of an S-Class Mercedes. Situated midmarket when festival folks are looking for a spot to escape the Croisette, the German party offers the perfect mix of location, good food, great beer and casual conversation. Like any classy host, the party also knew when to stop, shutting down at midnight to let tired guests head home without losing face.

Attendees: The word seems to have gotten out that the German party is the Cannes chill ticket. In addition to the usual cross-section of the local industry, a healthy mix of international execs and journos exchanged the dreary monoculture of German parties in years past for a healthy cross-fertilization. Star wattage was low, but that contributed to the atmosphere of take-off-the-bow-tie and relax.

Cuisine: Gone are the days of beer and pretzels. From glistening shish kebabs of mouth-watering beef and lamb to simple sandwiches, everyone had their fill. As for drinks, separate bars for fancy cocktails, fine German wine and great German draft ensured short waits and wet whistles.

Highlights/lowlights: Full without being packed and fun without being manic, the Germans made it look easy. The only off-key moment came from the no-risk '80s pop and disco music spinning all night -- though that didn't stop guests from shaking their stuff.

Verdict: 3.5 martinis

'Joyeux Noel'
(Villa de Mai)

The spirit of detente reigned at Monday night's bash to celebrate the French-German-Belgian-Scottish co-production "Joyeux Noel." A perfect match for the film -- which is set during the famous World War I Christmas Eve cease-fire when the opposing armies met in no man's land to celebrate together and play football -- the late-night fete mixed French class and German organization with Belgian sweets and a dash of mad Scots. Makes you think maybe this European Union thing is a good idea after all.

Attendees: Film's talent including Germany's Daniel Bruehl, Diane Kruger and Benno Furmann, France's Guillaume Canet and Scotland's Alex Ferns were all on hand, as was director Christian Carion. Also spotted were execs from the film's partner companies Nord-Ouest, UGC, Artemis, Senator and Film Distribution.

Cuisine: A full spread of hot and cold dishes from the host countries made way for delectable Belgian chocolates by night's end. Drinks of all varieties were plentiful, and service was fast and pleasant.

Highlights/lowlights: When a mad Scottish father-and-son bagpiper team let loose and the cast belted out rousing Highland folk songs.

Verdict: 3.5 Martinis

Fortissimo Films
(Noga Hilton Beach)

Hong Kong/Amsterdam-based sales and production company Fortissimo
Films continues to be one of the busiest companies on La Croisette,
with one film in Competition ("Shanghai Dreams"), another in Un
Certain Regard ("Jewboy") and an offering in the World Cinema Section
("U-Carmen eKhayelitsha") and a slew of market titles, thus making
this annual bash one of the more eagerly anticipated parties of
Cannes.

Attendees: Co-chairmen Wouter Barendrecht and Michael Werner hosted
the night, where guests included "Shanghai Dreams'" director Wang
Xiaoshuai, Jim Jarmusch, who has a first look deal with the company,
Korean director Lee Je-yong, CAA's Peter Loehr and Brad Walker,
Chinese director and jury member for short films Edward Yang, Hong
Kong's Bill Kong and Notro Films' Adolfo Blanco Lucas, and Priority
Pictures' Marion Pilowsky.

Cuisine: Lots and lots of French nibbles, regularly replenished, and a
very generous bar.

Highlights/lowlighst: Laid-back and informal, with guests enjoying a
fresh sea breeze, this party was a very pleasant break from the
madness of Cannes.

Verdict: 3.5 martinis

"Star Wars" party
(Baoli club)

To mark the unspooling of the conclusion of one of the highest-grossing franchises in movie history, one might have expected an extravagant party for "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith" -- an event with lavish food, eye-popping decor and stunning entertainment. Instead, the majority of invitees found themselves transported out to the Port Canto marina for a relatively no-frills session of champagne swilling in one of the Darthest Cannes venues, under the gaze of ice sculptures of characters from the movie.

Attendees: George Lucas arrived with a close-cropped Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen. Fox Filmed Entertainment co-chairman Jim Gianopulos headed up a phalanx of execs from the company. But it's hard to say which other stars or top-flight execs dropped in since they made the jump to the VIP area with security tighter than on the Death Star. Kevin Spacey was momentarily spotted in the Republic, having taken a wrong turn, but he quickly made off to the VIP Empire zone. At least Jar Jar Binks didn't turn up.

Cuisine: Despite the 10 p.m. start, those who'd been at the gala screening and were expecting a spot of dinner had to make do with a few canapes and trays of spring rolls that were pounced on by ravenous guests Wookiee style. Next time, the advice for Lucas must be, "Use the forks, Luke," leaving people's Hans Solo for wine.

Highlights/lowlights: No giveaways at the end, which deprived partygoers of the line "I felt your presents."

Verdict: Two martinis

"Once You're Born" party
(Noga Beach)

The after party for the Italian competition film "Once You're Born you Can No Longer Hide" on Sunday night was a departure of sorts for the Italian contingency -- light on gastronomy, heavy on champagne and rug-cutting. Things got under way late following the delayed 10 p.m. premiere of Marco Tullio Giordana's film, so risotto and prosciutto were out of the question. Things picked up quickly, though, as partygoers packed the dance floor at the Noga Beach, and danced the night away to a competent mix of remastered disco and some upbeat classic rock. Despite a slight queue at the champagne bay, the party proved a collegial and warm affair. And what was lacking in international flare was more than made up for by an impressive presence of Italian industry-ites.

Attendees: Marco Tullio Giordana, Venice Film Festival director Marco Mueller, RAI Cinema's Giancarlo Leone, Cattleya Films' Riccardo Tozzi, Giovanni Stabilini, Marcho Chimenz, Courmayeur Festival Director Giorgio Gossetti, producer Tilde Corsi.

Cuisine: No food. Champagne Bar.

Highlight/Lowlight: Strong DJ'ing and a rollicking dance floor. A noticeable lack of attendees from outside the Italian industry crowd.

Verdict: 3.5 martinis.


Morgan Creek Brunch
(Le Moulin de Mougins)

Morgan Creek chairman James Robinson welcomed all the usual Cannes suspects to his annual Mougins brunch on Sunday. The mood was calm, the weather was fair on the sun-dappled outdoor terrace, and the champagne flowed.

Attendees: John Miller of JP Morgan Chase, Joseph Wolfe of City Bank and Premila Hoon of SG Bank joined a gaggle of distributors and sales reps, including Elyse Eisenberg of Warner Bros. Pictures, Takeo Kodera of Nippon Herald Films, Jean Prewitt of Independent Film and Television Alliance, Sebastian Darcyl of Sun Distribution Group, Arni Samuelsson of Samfilm and Willem Pruijssers of Dutch FilmWorks.

Cuisine: Exquisitely prepared cheese, ham and mushroom omelettes, plus sausage, lamb, salmon and bacon, creamy asparagus soup, stuffed zucchini, mixed green salad and rich buffets of cheese, bread and fruit plus a luscious assortment of fruit tarts and sorbets.

Highlights/lowlights: The affair was almost too relaxed. While guests greeted Robinson and his scion, senior marketing veep Brian Robinson, and Morgan Creek International COO Howard Kaplan, there was little mixing and an eat-and-run-with-goodie-bag vibe.

Verdict: Three martinis


Toha-Towa
(Hotel Majestic)

One of the great traditions of Cannes, the Toho-Towa party has been running for years, and for at least the past decade or so, it's been held in the same venue (the Majestic's Salon Croisette) with the same abundance of Japanese delicacies. This year possibly the biggest fish head ever seen at a Cannes function peered dolefully from a tray out at the milling crowd.

Attendees: President Hisanori Hiranuma welcomed the guests, who included financier Frans Afman, producer Bill Kong, Celestial Pictures' William Pfeiffer, Fortune Star's Peter Poon and quite literally the same lineup of happy feasting guests -- financiers, lawyers, producers and sales agents from around the world -- as in previous years.

Cuisine: Apart from the made-on-the spot sushi, sashimi and other goodies, there was traditional French fare and delicious marinated prawns grilled to order. The generous bars were busy on both sides of the room, as was the sake stall, which served drinks in traditional pine-scented wooden boxes.

Highlights/lowlights: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Verdict: Four martinis

MTV: 'Hustle'
(Le Palais Oriental)

MTV's monster bash was more hassle than hustle for partygoers who lined up for what felt like hours to catch shuttles and taxis to one of the festival's biggest soirees. Upon arrival, those on the guest list were met with yet more tedious queuing, making for peeved partygoers who were generally over it before the night even began. The excuse for the Asian-themed night was Stephen Chow's "Kung Fu Hustle," and many were donning the black hats passed out as a marketing ploy -- not quite last year's green "Shrek" ears, but the collective effect was comic enough. The lush surroundings of Le Palais Oriental offered a glorious view back over Cannes, but it was hard not to feel looked down upon by Viacom execs and other VIPs who were the only ones allowed upstairs at the designer villa.

Early in the evening the Grahamaphones welcomed guests with a delightful jazz and swing set from the '30s and '40s. Later, hot babes in Chinese dresses danced vacantly on podiums on one side of the pool as male dancers pulled kung fu moves at the other. Inside, a mini casino kept punters amused. Unfortunately, things went downhill from there. Someone fell in the pool at midnight, and that's about as wild and crazy as it got. And despite the cool beats from Rob Luis and Alice Russell and Eclectic Method, people weren't really dancing. Let's face it -- the mood was foul and aggressive.

Attendees: "Match Point" co-star Emily Mortimer, Harvey Weinstein, German megastar Til Schweiger, "Kung Fu Hustle" writer-director Stephen Chow

Food: In keeping with the theme, a limited selection of Asian food was served throughout the night. Miso soup, dim sum and noodles with fish gave exhausted revelers some much-needed staying power. The booze selection was odd in that there was no wine or champagne available. Stella Artois beer, Smirnoff Vodka, Jack Daniel's and tequila made for a mean mix, and there were bound to be some sore heads the following day.

Highlight/lowlight: The party was oversubscribed, the crowd peeved, and what is a party without wine and champagne?! Thank god for the Grahamophones, but they deserted us way too early.

Verdict: 1.5 martinis

New Zealand Film
(Plage Gray D'Albion)

With such successful productions as the "Lord of the Rings" films and the upcoming "King Kong" and "Perfect Creature" -- which 20th Century Fox just picked up for U.S. distribution -- business for the New Zealand film industry is continuing to boom. Which meant that the nation had plenty to celebrate at its annual bash, typically one of the best soirees of the market. This year was no exception, with guests enjoying Pacific soul band Sunga's smooth vibes in a beach setting and an endless supply of alcohol.

Attendees: New Zealand's ambassador to France Adrian Macey and the New Zealand Film Commission's Barrie Everard and chief executive Ruth Harley presided over the gathering. On hand were NZ Films' head of sales and marketing Kathleen Drumm, ex-pat director and producer Roger Donaldson, whose "The World's Fastest Indian" is on offer at the market, the film's producer Gary Hannam, New Line's Mark Ordesky, Summit's Bob Hayward, the U.K. Film Council's Sally Caplan, Directors' Fortnight artistic director Olivier Pere, SPE's Masao Owaki, Hoyts Film Distribution's Robert Slaviero, Investment New Zealand's Paul Voigt, Tube Entertainment's Bill Hwang, the Fiji Audio Visual Commission's Dan Bolea and "Perfect Creature's" director Glenn Standring and co-producer Tim Sanders.

Cuisine: New Zealand beef and lamb were the order of the day, with mini custard tarts, creme brulees and other goodies. 42 Below Vodka and South Gin were available at one end of the room with an amazing array of concoctions by trendy New Zealand bar operators Matterhorn and about 10 different and most excellent wines from the country flowing at the other end.

Highlight/lowlight: In typical New Zealand fashion, this was a relaxed affair, set against the backdrop of a gorgeous sunset and crashing waves. And who can go past an unlimited vodka bar?

Verdict: Four martinis


Crossing the Bridge
(Palm Square restaurant)

If you make a movie about music, the party had better match up. And the gig for Fatih Akin's out of competition documentary "Crossing the Bridge: The Sound of Istanbul" did not disappoint. Some of the musicians who appeared in the film, including the astounding clarinet virtuoso Selim Sesler, played a show-stopping set at Friday night's bash. Akin and his muse in the movie who opens the doors to the Istanbul music scene, Alexander Hacke of legendary German avant garde band Einsturzende Neubauten, were going wild on the dance floor. Also spotted getting her freak on was Spanish star and Cannes jury member Salma Hayek. After the band stepped down, Akin jumped on the decks and DJed into the early morning hours, mixing '80s dance pop with Turkish club sounds for a one-of-a-kind East-West groove.

Attendees: Akin and Hayek were joined by fellow Cannes jurors including president Emir Kusturica and Javier Bardem. Berlin Festival director Dieter Kosslick also put in an appearance as did execs from producers Bavaria Film. The mix of celebs and industry folks with fans of the movie and its music made for a cool, refreshingly non-elitist vibe.

Cuisine: Minimal canapes were swept around the room from time to time. Beer, wine and sodas were free, the rest was cash-only.

Highlights/lowlights: The star wattage was high but music was the star of this no-frills hoe down. At one point, a solo by the dazzling player of a sort of bongo drum called a darbuka had a bunch of ladies gyrating hotly in front of the low stage. The belly dancing went on late into the night.

Verdict: 3.5 martinis

Morocco evening
(Majestic Beach)

The party organized by the Moroccan contingent Friday night to mark the opening of the new All World Cinema section of the festival was a chic if somewhat stuffy affair. The beach venue had been given an Arabian nights makeover with oriental rugs strewn all over the floor, poufs, cushions and hammocks inviting guests to chill out and enjoy the Frenchy lounge music. Out on the jetty, lanterns lit the way, while a thousand candles dotting the venue threatened to set light to any stray robes.

Attendees: Franco-Moroccan comic Jamel Debbouze was undoubtedly the star of the evening, attracting a cluster of cameras and admirers when he arrived in the company of Cannes director Veronique Cayla. Otherwise, the gig was dominated by French and Moroccan film industry dignitaries and the usual entourage.

Cuisine: Moroccan chefs flew in to supervise the Majestic kitchen staff to conjure up some tasty dishes from the other side of the Mediterranean, including an intense dried-fruit cous-cous, lamb with figs and crispy sweet pastillas.

Highlight/lowlight: Musicians dressed in traditional garb beat drums, chanted and blasted on six-foot horns to welcome guests aboard what promised to be a magic carpet ride. But the flat screens showing landscapes of Morocco made the event seem a bit more like a tourist promotion than a rock the Casbah gig.

Verdict: Three martinis


Marche Du Film Opening Night Party
(Martinez Beach)

The Cannes Marche du Film was officially opened with an ambient and laid-back soiree Thursday night on Martinez Beach. A solid lineup of company execs downed champagne, vodka cocktails and a glorious spread of tempting food of all kinds, as the Brazilian band, swathed in crisp, white threads, provided the sounds while the sun went down.

Attendees: Bob Dowling, publisher and editor-in-chief of The Hollywood Reporter; Victor Loewy, CEO and director, Motion Picture Distribution Inc.; Irish Film Board chief Mark Woods; Phillipe Bober from Paris-based production and distribution company the Coproduction Office; artistic director of the Venice Film Festival Marco Mueller; Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of Independent Film & Television Alliance.

Cuisine: Definitely the highlight of the evening, food was plentiful, delicious and as appealing to the eye as to the palate. Main meals were served up by chefs from themed tables as waiters circulated finger food. Delights included guacamole with shrimp in shot glasses, a fois gras bar, spit-cooked beef fresh carved straight from the bone and an exquisite mushroom risotto with French herbs. Individually skewered grapes and melon left a fresh taste the mouth of late stayers.

Highlight/lowlight: The distinct lack of star power was easy to ignore thanks to truly gorgeous food from top-notch chefs set against the prettiest sunset festivalgoers have seen to date.


Chen Kaige's "The Promise"
(Chateau de la Napoule)

Moonstone Entertainment's Etchie Stroh hosted a sit-down gala dinner for 200 at Cannes' romantic castle landmark to unspool on a huge white screen in the courtyard a 12-minute "synopsis" of Chen's epic-scale period adventure "The Promise." Stroh, who sold Chen's last film, "Together" and is a producer on the big-budget spectacular, invited 120 global distributors in the hope of selling territories here in advance of screening the completed film. (He has already sold some 15 countries, including Warner Japan, which plans a 500-theater March release.) Stroh said that the movie would have cost $150 million if it had been filmed outside of China. He would like to see the martial period epic open one of the major fall film festivals.

Attendees: Chen and his wife and producer-star, Chen Hong, cinematographer Peter Pau, The Weinstein Company's Harvey Weinstein, Entertainment's co-chairmen Nigel and Trevor Greene, TF1 International's Patrick Binet, Bingham Ray, Warner acquisitions executive Elyse Eisenberg, Sony Pictures' Classics' Dylan Leiner, Paramount Classics' Susan Glatzer, Filmauro's Federica Lucisano, Focus Features' Jason Resnick, Fox Searchlight's Tony Safford and Charlotte Koh, Italia Films' Medusa Pierpaolo.

Cuisine: Catherine Giry of Traiteur, Cannes, supplied spiky appetizers with lobster and shrimp, a main course of la pereau pigeon, and croutons chevre.

Highlight/lowlight: As guests made their way along the torchlighted red carpet, they were watched over by Chinese warriors on horseback in full red battle regalia. After dinner, guests scarfed up an array of patisseries accompanied by two harpists.

Verdict: 3.5 martinis