Having jump started the careers of several of France's most important young filmmakers , Luc Besson is at it again. Via his mini-studio Europa Corp., Besson has packaged 10 short films together into one feature length movie which will open in France on June 18.

Called Zero Un, it includes short films from international directors and was overseen at Europa by Julien Hossein and Katia Sourzac who screened 600 entries from around the world. With Besson stepping in for a final consultation the list was narrowed to ten and a new avenue for young talent was created.

Going out on 60 screens next week, the film will benefit from a run during France's Fete du Cinema. The Fete du Cinema is an annual event which helps to kick off the summer movie-going season. For three days ticket prices are slashed in theaters all over the country meaning extra heavy attendance.

In a statement released by Europa Corp., Besson says, "I am convinced that all those who are established in cinema owe it to themselves to participate in the formation of a new generation. For me, it's an obligation - not to mention the pleasure of discovering talented young people who all express themselves differently."

He adds: "Another good reason to do this is to prepare the director with a theatrical release, debates, promotion, etc. It's a process that they will have to undergo with their first feature. This experience will allow them to have a little taste. I was absolutely not prepared when my first film was released and I admit that this sort of experience would really have helped me!"

Zero Un will become an annual happening with Zero Deux already scheduled for next year.

The films :

Au Suivant by Jean Biras (France) with Isabelle Nanty

Offside by Leanna Creel (USA)

The Freak by Aristomenis Tsirbas (USA)

The Same by Mark Palansky (USA) with Josh Hartnett

Pourkoi...Passkeu by Tristan Aurouet & Gilles Lellouche (France)

Arret d'Urgence by Jean-Jacques Dumonceau (France)

Aujourd'hui Madame by Cesar Vayssie (France)

Chickendales by Niko Meulemans (Belgium)

Silver Moumoute by Christophe Campos (France)

Carcan by Stephane Levallois (France)