Author: France 24

The 78th Cannes Film Festival opened Tuesday with expectations running high for what could be a banner edition. All of the ingredients — an absurd number of stars, top-tier filmmakers, political intrigue — seem to be lined up for the French Riviera spectacular. Over the next 12 days, Cannes will play host to megawatt premieres including those of “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” Spike Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest” and Ari Aster’s “Eddington.” Details by Emma Jones, film critic in Cannes.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner advanced to the round of 16 at the Italian Open in Rome with a straight-sets win over Jesper de Jong. It was his second consecutive victory following a three-month doping ban.

The US and China agreed to a 90-day truse in their trade war, suspending or cancelling sky-high tariffs they imposed on each other’s goods since April, but underlying issues still need to be addressed over the next three months.  “The devil is in the details” says Maurizio Zanardi, professor of economics at the University of Sussex. Plus, Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at bringing down drug prices in the US to align with what other countries are paying. 

PRESS REVIEW – Monday, May 12: US President Donald Trump is set to begin his tour of the Middle East on Tuesday, but is not yet scheduled to stop in Israel. Meanwhile, papers are discussing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as the last soup kitchens are forced to close. Also, millions of voters head to the polls in the Philippines for crucial midterms opposing two dynasties. Next, papers debunk a claim that French President Emmanuel Macron had a cocaine party in Ukraine. Finally, a man completes the world’s longest triathlon.

This week, arts24 welcomes acclaimed trumpet player Yazz Ahmed. Throughout her career, the jazz musician has blended Arabic and Western sounds. Her new album “A Paradise In The Hold” takes us to the shores of Bahrain, where local folklore and Fijiri – the music of the pearl divers – are brought to life through gorgeous scales, percussion and voices. Yazz Ahmed tells Marjorie Hache about the stories and work that went into her fourth album. We also take a look at new music by Maneskin’s Damiano David, rapper Chuck D and electronic pop artist MØ. 

In Ligue 1, Marseille beat Le Havre and Monaco defeated Lyon. Both clubs qualify for the Champions League. Angers are safe from relegation, Saint-Étienne maintain hope and Nantes remain in danger.

US President Donald Trump said he would sign an executive order on Monday that could lower the cost of some medications, an effort that will face strong pushback from the pharmaceutical industry.

Activists rallied across the globe on Thursday to mark May Day. In Paris, scuffles broke out as black-clad protesters targeted Socialist Party members. In Istanbul, police arrested more than 400 people amid a heavy crackdown on demonstrations. Read our liveblog to see how the day’s events unfolded. 

A US initiative to distribute food in Gaza would not involve Israel aside from the provision of “military security”, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said on Friday. The plan has already met with criticism from the international community as it appears to sideline the UN and existing aid organisations operating in the Palestinian enclave. 

In this edition of our arts24 music show, Jennifer Ben Brahim chats with Franco-Cameroonian musician James BKS. He’s gone from producing beats for some of the biggest stars like Snoop Dogg and will.i.am, to carving out a name for himself as a performer. Music is in his blood, with his father being the late Afro-jazz legend Manu Dibango, and James has continued his legacy by embracing his African musical roots. He’s back with the EP “See Us Rise”, a deeply personal and introspective record.