Cannes Diary 2008: Day 2

* Despite hopes that the business would pick up on Day 2, it remained as sluggish as Day 1, compared to the market in the years gone by. There was a pervasive wave of disappointment among the exhibitors in the Riviera and Palais about business being slack. That said, many market attendees were hopeful of the weekend!

* Variety did a special spotlight on the Indian film industry titled "Beyond Bollywood" emphasising on Indian cinema spreading its wings internationally. The feature additionally had a special tribute to Mukta Arts turning 30 and Whistling woods.

* Screen International ran a special feature on the hot films from different countries being showcased at the market. From Asia, among a number of Chinese and Taiwanese product, Jodhaa Akbar(UTV), Taare Zameen Par (UTV) , Tahaan (iDream), Road, Movie (Studio 18) and Little Zizou (Studio 18)were the five selected.

* Preity Zinta made a quick appearance at the Chopard Beach Party (Preity is the brand ambassador of Chopard). Aishwarya Rai Bachchan attended the screening of Blindness, the opening film of the festival, presumably courtesy of L'Oreal.

* The market is bracing for the opening party at The Majestic Beach tonight!

By: Tanuj Garg (from Cannes)