Cannes Directors' Fortnight has appointed Chris Mercier, former manager of international distribution at Universal Pictures International, as its UK/Ireland representative, artistic director François da Silva announced on Wednesday.

Mercier, who also had a stint at Castle Rock International in London, will work with the British Council to source feature-length and short films out of the UK and Ireland. Screenings will be held at the BFI Screening Room from March 12-14 in the presence of selection committee member Dominique Welinski.

"In addition to new discoveries in feature-length and shorts, this year we are looking to broaden the programme to include documentaries," da Silva said. "Lost In La Mancha is one such example of a bold and creative film coming out of the UK."

The British Council will help coordinate submissions, with the deadline for the section's trial screenings in March on March 7. The deadline for the festival itself is March 31st.