UGC International's Amelie From Montmartre opened well in French-speaking Europe, making Cannes selector Thierry Fremaux's decision to programme the film as a special open-air screening a popular one.

Handled by UFD, the Jean-Pierre Jeunet-directed charmer achieved 125,000 admissions from 432 copies on the first day on nationwide French release, giving a single day screen average of $1,736. In Paris the film achieved 30,000 admissions from 49 screens.

Handled by Les Films de l'Elysee in French-speaking Belgium, it notched 2,240 admissions and an $11,450 total from 12 screens. The release is due to widen by a further four prints over the weekend.

In Swiss-Romande, the film gave Film-Cooperative its best opening score since the company was founded and released Jane Campion's The Piano. Amelie notched up 2,011 admissions and $14,350 from just eight screens. It will be programmed in a further three theatres this weekend and Film Cooperative has ordered a further five copies for the second week.

The UK's Momentum Pictures this week picked up all UK rights to the film, which is the story of a naive girl who tries to help others find love but discovers love for herself.