Cannes Film Festival Opens With 'Moonrise Kingdom'

The prestigious Cannes Film Festival opened Wednesday with the Wes Anderson-directed film "Moonrise Kingdom," reports WPRI.com. 

Anderson's film, which was shot entirely in Rhode Island, also made its official premiere at the 65th annual Cannes Film Festival.

“What an honor for Wes Anderson, his stellar cast and crew, and Focus Features to open the most influential film festival in the world," said Steven Feinberg, executive director of the Rhode Island Film & TV Office, previously in March.

"We are so proud of all the talented locals who worked on this production and helped make it a reality. Through Wes Anderson's artistic eye, 'Moonrise Kingdom' presents a visually stunning Rhode Island postcard to a global audience.”

Starring Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, Harvey Keitel, Jason Schwartzman and Bob Balaban, the film follows the tale of a young boy and girl (newcomers Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward) who fall in love and run away together while a variety of townspeople mobilize to search for them on a unique island off the coast of New England in the 1960s.

"Moonrise Kingdom" will be released to selected theaters on May 25 and will open nationwide in June.

The film made headlines last summer when filming took place around the East Bay, especially on Prudence Island and at in Portsmouth. Several local youths were also selected to work as extras in the film. 

Here's a look back at all of our previous coverage: