Chinese screen star Zhang Ziyi on April 14 confirmed she is to be a judge at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

 

She had accepted an invitation to join the jury, but was still awaiting a formal announcement from the organizers, Zhang said while promoting the movie Jasmine Women in Beijing last Friday.

 

"I'm anticipating taking up the post and it would be an honor," said Zhang, who most recently starred in Memoirs of a Geisha, adding she was unaware of the competing films and whether they included any Chinese productions.

 

 

Zhang said she wanted to use her international influence in creating more Chinese films.

 

Hong Kong director Wong Kar Wai will preside over the jury of the 59th film festival, which opens on May 17. It will be the first Cannes jury to include two Chinese.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 17, 2006)