In a highly unusual move Cannes has decided to invite a second film by Turkish director Zeki Demirkurbuz to appear in Un Certain Regard alongside his previously announced Confession (Itiraf).

The film Fate (Yazgy) and Confession were shot back to back as the first elements of a trilogy, loosely entitled Tales of Darkness. Both pictures appeared in the Istanbul festival that wrapped this week and scooped prizes including one FIPRESCI award each and earned Demirkurbuz the director of the year award in the Turkish section.

The Cannes selectors screened both films in their selection process, but originally plumped for Confession, a tale of tortured marital infidelity, over Fate, which was inspired by Albert Camus' celebrated novel The Stranger. However, following the Istanbul awards, Demirkurbuz was contacted by regional specialist, Christian Jeune, on behalf of Cannes artistic director Thierry Fremaux.

The two will receive a press screening on Thursday May 23, ahead of official screenings in the Salle Debussy the following day, Fate in the morning and Confession in the afternoon.

Separately, both pictures were this week picked up by Istanbul-based international sales outfit Sera Film Services. The company which has acted as an agent and distributor in Turkey is only now moving into the sales business. Titles it has previously handled include 1996-97 Oscar candidate The Bandit.

Demirkurbuz is currently writing the third element, which is an adaptation of Crime And Punishment. He will direct and produce through his own company Mavi Filmcilik.