Cannes Film Festival delays 2012 edition by one week to May 16-27, from originally announced May 9-20, due to clash with French presidential elections at the beginning of the month.

The Cannes Film Festival organisers have decided to move the dates of its 65th edition in 2012 by one week to May 16-27, to avoid clashing with the final round of the French presidential elections due to take place on May 6.

The festival did not release an official statement regarding the change but confirmed the move with French news agency AFP and posted the new dates on its official website over the weekend.

The festival traditionally kicks off in early May. It was originally scheduled to run from May 9-20 in 2012.

The presidential election takes place over two rounds in April and May 2012, followed immediately by parliamentary elections.