German Comeback in Cannes

For the first time in 11 years, a German film will be competing for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in France. Hans Weingartner's "Die Fetten Jahre Sind Vorbei" (Happy Days Are Gone) is in the running along with 17 other productions, including "The Ladykillers" by former Palme d'Or winners Joel and Ethan Coen. The German film about the friendship between three young rebels stars Daniel Brühl, who made a name for himself internationally in the widely successful "Good-Bye Lenin." Weingartner is among 12 directors who'll be vying for the top honor in Cannes for the first time. Cannes Artistic Director Thierry Fremaux said the organizers wanted to give the festival a shot of new blood by bringing in young, promising directors. The nine-member jury judging this year's entries will be headed by American director Quentin Tarantino. The festival gets underway on May 12, with the awards ceremony on May 23.