The American indie darling’s ensemble piece will kick off proceedings on the Croisette on May 16, the same day as the film’s release in France through StudioCanal.

Moonrise Kingdom will open in the US through Focus Features on May 25 and stars Ed Norton, Bruce Willis, Tilda Swinton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand and Jason Schwartzman.

Anderson co-wrote the screenplay with Roman Coppola and produced alongside Steve Rales of financier Indian Paintbrush, Scott Rudin and Jeremy Dawson. French composer Alexandre Desplat provides the Gallic input.

Moonrise Kingdom takes place on an island in New England during the course of a stormy summer in 1965 when the townsfolk run after a young boy and girl who elope. Newcomers Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward play the lovers.

Festival president Gilles Jacob said in a statement on Thursday (Mar 8): “With Wes Anderson opening the 65th Festival de Cannes, young American cinema will be celebrated on the Croisette.”

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