(Cover) - EN Movies - The 64th Cannes Film Festival will kick off tonight by showcasing Woody Allens Midnight in Paris.

Every year moviemakers, critics and actors from across the globe flock to the glamorous French destination for its prestigious movie event, with this years festival officially commencing today.

This evening veteran director Woody Allen will unveil his romantic comedy Midnight in Paris, which stars Michael Sheen, Rachel McAdams and Owen Wilson and tells the story of a family vacation in Paris which sees a young engaged couple make some interesting realisations about their lives.

The festival is set to showcase around 50 different movies from across the globe and will run until May 22. There will be 44 world premieres and 20 films are set to compete for the coveted Palm DOr prize. The winner will be decided by an A-list jury led by Hollywood icon Robert De Niro. Jude Law and Uma Thurman will be assisting Robert in his decision along with other movie insiders.

Highly anticipated films due to show at the festival include Terrence Malick's fantasy The Tree of Life, starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn, and Lynne Ramsays drama We Need to Talk About Kevin which stars Tilda Swinton and is adapted from the novel by Lionel Shriver. (C) Cover Media