Martin Scorsese will preside over the Short Film and Cinefondation jury during the upcoming Festival de Cannes (15-26 May), the festival announced today (Apr 9).

Scorsese, who has been honorary president of the Cinefondation since it was formed four years ago, has been a vigorous supporter of youth development programmes. Last year at the "Transmission Day" he chose to screen his tribute to Italian cinema My Voyage In Italy (Il Mio Viaggio In Italia).

Aided by four other internationally-known artists, he will award the Palme d'Or for the short film and the three Prizes of the Cinefondation, from the official section of short and mid-length films from film schools.

Although the festival has not confirmed any such move, Scorsese's presence at the festival makes it even more likely that a 20-25 minute showreel of his Gangs Of New York will be shown in official selection (see Screendaily, today).