Features

BASEL, Switzerland -- The Eurovision Song Contest burst into Basel on Sunday, but a parade launching a week of build-up to the grand final was marked by protests over Israel's participation.

The Swiss city is hosting the 69th edition of the world's biggest annual live televised music event, reaching around 160 million viewers.

Organisers said tens of thousands of spectators took to the streets to welcome the 37 artists representing the competing countries.

Europop beats, dramatic staging and earworm choruses dominate the stage but Eurovision's light-hearted kitsch often unfolds against a backdrop of serious geopolitics.

A demonstration took place on Sunday to protest Israel's participation in the contest as the nation ramps up its war in Gaza, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

As the parade began outside Basel's iconic 500-year-old city hall, around a dozen Palestinian flags could be seen waving in the crowd. One banner read: "Israel: open Gaza's borders. Let aid in".

One flag-waving protester was tackled by police officers.

Some held up signs reading: "No applause for genocide" and "Singing while Gaza burns".

'Throat-slitting gesture' 

The competition is organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the world's biggest public service media alliance, of which Israel's broadcaster Kan is a member.

Its entrant this year is Yuval Raphael.

She survived the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the war in Gaza, hiding beneath dead bodies as Hamas gunmen attacked a music festival, killing hundreds.

As she emerged from the city hall, Raphael, 24, waved and blew kisses to the crowd and posed for photographs, waving the Israeli flag.

Kan said it had filed a complaint with Swiss police "following an incident in which a young man wearing a keffiyeh and holding a Palestinian flag made a throat-slitting gesture toward Yuval Raphael and members of the Israeli Eurovision delegation".

AFP has sought a comment from the Basel police and the EBU.

Basel resident Birgit Althaler, was among the demonstrators.

"Israel has always used Eurovision as a platform for propaganda. And it's also scandalous that the city of Basel for example, does nothing," she told AFP.

"It's important that Eurovision changes," she said.

'Vibrant energy' 

Switzerland is hosting after Swiss vocalist Nemo won Eurovision 2024 in Malmo with the highly personal song "The Code".

Nemo has joined calls for Israel to be thrown out of the event.

"Israel's actions are fundamentally at odds with the values that Eurovision claims to uphold -- peace, unity, and respect for human rights," the singer told the Huffington Post news website.

Basel's emergency services said the parade to the Messeplatz square "went off without any significant problems"

"The police were able to stop around 150 people at the Messeplatz through their presence and thus prevent the official event from being disrupted," it said in a brief statement.

Vintage trams and buses took the performers along the so-called "turquoise carpet" parade route -- the longest in Eurovision history at 1.3 kilometres.

The parade was accompanied by drummers, carnival groups, marching bands, alphorn players and techno DJ sets.

"The moment we have eagerly awaited is finally here," said Conradin Cramer, president of the Basel City canton, declaring Eurovision 2025 officially open.

"The stage is ready. Excitement fills the air and the entire city is buzzing with a unique and vibrant energy."

Sweden and Austria out front 

The semifinals on Tuesday and Thursday will eliminate 11 countries, leaving 26 nations to contest Saturday's final at the St. Jakobshalle arena.

Sweden's entry KAJ -- from Finland's Swedish-speaking minority -- are the hot favourites to win, with a comical take on the joy of having a sauna.

"The plan is to win for Sweden then the Finns can feel it's basically their win but Sweden pays for it," quipped the group's Jakob Norrgard.

Austria's JJ is the bookmakers' second-favourite with "Wasted Love", a song in the mould of last year's winner, "The Code", combining operatic vocals and modern beats.

"I'm very excited. Obviously there's a little bit of pressure because people have high expectations," JJ told AFP.

"When I saw Nemo's performance, I was blown away. But we have different styles. I'm glad that people see similarities and are comparing me to a former winner," he said.

By Dr Kamal ‘Akl
Consultant Paediatrician & Paediatric Nephrologist

A visit to the cardiologist confirmed Sanad’s heart was healthy and he was cleared for general anaesthesia.

But a follow-up ultrasound ordered by the nephrologist revealed something unexpected: Sanad’s right kidney was smaller than normal.

What does that mean?

Understandably concerned, Sanad’s mother asked the questions on every parent’s mind.

Mother: What could be the cause of a small kidney?

Doctor: One common cause is something called “urinary reflux” — when urine flows backwards from the bladder toward the kidneys.

If this happens early in fetal development, it can interfere with kidney formation and result in a smaller, less functional kidney.

Mother (tearfully): Will this cause kidney failure?

Doctor: Not necessarily.

If the other kidney is healthy and functioning well, there’s no need to worry.

Mother: How can we be sure the other kidney is normal?

Doctor: We check for reflux. A radiologist introduces a small tube through the urethra, then injects contrast dye into the bladder. If reflux is present, it shows on the scan.

If there’s no reflux and kidney function is normal, that’s very reassuring.

What happens to the small kidney?

Mother: Will it get worse?

Doctor: It might stay the same or gradually shrink over time.

That’s why regular monitoring is essential.

Mother: How do we protect the healthy kidney?

Doctor: Sanad will need regular check-ups — an annual ultrasound to monitor growth, blood pressure checks and urine tests every six months.

To explain further, the doctor offers a simple analogy: “Imagine a carriage with 10 flour sacks pulled by two horses.

If one horse falls ill, the other must carry the full load alone.

It might manage for a while, but without help or a lighter burden, it’ll eventually tire out.”

Easing the load

To keep the healthy kidney strong, the doctor recommends a few simple lifestyle adjustments:

Cut down on salt and red meat, which strain the kidneys.

Opt for fish and poultry instead.

Avoid unnecessary medications, as some can be harmful to kidney health.

Act quickly if Sanad gets dehydrated, especially during childhood illnesses like gastroenteritis And most importantly: “There’s no need to be afraid,” the doctor reassures.

“Many people live perfectly healthy lives with one small kidney — or even just one kidney — without ever knowing it.

What matters is care, awareness and regular follow-up.”

Reprinted with permission from Family Flavours magazine

PARIS — A court in Paris on Tuesday is set to hand down a verdict in the sexual assault trial of French cinema icon Gerard Depardieu, a case that gripped the country for weeks.

As the ruling will coincide with the start of the Cannes Film Festival, it is likely to be among the biggest talking points on the first day of what is one of the main events on the cinema calendar.

Depardieu, who has acted in more than 200 films and television series, is the highest-profile figure caught up in France's response to the #MeToo movement.

He has been accused of improper behaviour by around 20 women, but this is the first case to come to trial.

The trial relates to charges of sexual assault during the filming in 2021 of "Les Volets Verts" ("The Green Shutters") by director Jean Becker.

Nearly two months after the high-profile proceedings, the Paris criminal court will deliver its verdict from 10:00 am (8:00 GMT) on Tuesday.

The plaintiffs are a set dresser, 54, identified only as Amelie, and a 34-year-old assistant director, who accuse the actor of sexual assault. Only Amelie is expected to be present to hear the verdict.

Depardieu, 76, might not be in attendance.

The actor, who had complained that he had been out of work for three years, is set to star in a film directed by his friend, actor Fanny Ardant. The shooting of the scenes involving Depardieu began in April in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores.

'Foul-mouthed'

In March, lead prosecutor Laurent Guy recommended an 18-month suspended jail sentence for Depardieu, arguing that the assaults reported by the two women were "intentional".

He said Depardieu should also be ordered to undergo psychological treatment, and be added to France's sex offender registry.

Amelie said that the actor had behaved like a "wild animal" on set in 2021. Depardieu had boasted he could "give women an orgasm without touching them", she said.

She also said Depardieu made "obscene remarks" including: "Come and touch my big parasol. I'll stick it in your pussy."

The actor has denied sexually assaulting the women.

"I'm vulgar, rude, foul-mouthed, I'll accept that," he told the court, but he added: "I don't touch."

"I adore women and femininity," he also said, while describing the #MeToo movement as a "reign of terror".

Throughout the trial, Depardieu has been supported by his daughter Roxane, his ex-partner Karine Silla and actor Vincent Perez.

Long-time friend Ardant, 76, testified in his favour.

"I have never witnessed anything that I found shocking," she said.

"I know that you can say no to Gerard."

'Sexism and misogyny'

Lawyers representing the two plaintiffs complained of the tension in the courtroom and denounced the approach of Depardieu's defence team.

The actor's lawyer Jeremie Assous called the two women "liars" and "hysterical". They were working for the cause of "rabid feminism", he argued.

Claude Vincent, the assistant director's lawyer, lamented in her closing statement: "What we witnessed was not a defence strategy," but "an apology for sexism".

In an open letter, a group of nearly 200 French lawyers urged the judiciary to fight what they called courtroom sexism.

Depardieu's lawyer had "used sexism and misogyny to his heart's delight" to discredit the plaintiffs and their legal team, they said.

Depardieu has also been indicted in another case following a rape complaint filed by actor Charlotte Arnould, 29. Prosecutors have requested a trial.

In April, French MPs criticised "endemic" abuse in the entertainment industry after a six-month inquiry.

Depardieu became a star in France from the 1980s with roles in "The Last Metro", "Police" and "Cyrano de Bergerac", before Peter Weir's "Green Card" also made him a Hollywood celebrity.

He later acted in global productions including Kenneth Branagh's "Hamlet", Ang Lee's "Life of Pi" and Netflix's "Marseille" series.

JAKARTA — An Indonesian animated movie is smashing regional box-office records and could be set for wider success as it prepares to open beyond the Southeast Asian archipelago's silver screens.

"Jumbo" — a film based on the adventures of main character Don, a large orphaned Indonesian boy facing bullying at school -- last month became the highest-grossing Southeast Asian animated film, raking in more than $8 million.

Released at the end of March to coincide with the Eid holidays after the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, the movie has hit eight million ticket sales, the third highest in Indonesian cinema history, according to Film Indonesia.

The film explores "what we've lost in life and the strength we need to overcome it", director Ryan Adriandhy Halim told AFP.

"We hope to encourage a change, it is for people to treat [each other] more kindly and we want 'Jumbo' to be a reminder that everyone deserves respect, no matter what is your background, whatever age group you are."

In the film, Don has a storybook filled with magical tales -- including a meeting with a fairy who wants him to help her reconnect with her family.

"This film is for us, for our children, and for the child within us," Ryan said.

For weeks after its release, 'Jumbo' kept theatres packed across Indonesia.

The movie -- which began production five years ago and called on the help of 400 local creators -- surpassed the regional record set by Malaysia's "Mechamato Movie" in 2022.

Its success has caught many in the Indonesian film industry by surprise.

"I predicted the film would be popular -- but not this much," said Petrus Kristianto Prayitno Santoso, film programming supervisor for operator Flix Cinema.

'Stepping stone'

However, the film's wider appeal will be tested when it opens in more than 17 countries in June, including Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey and Mongolia, said Anggia Kharisma, chief content officer at Visinema Studios, the film's production house.

The company says other release dates are still in discussion, meaning it could be set for a global rollout.

In an industry flooded with Hollywood blockbusters and local horror movies, "Jumbo" has stood out.

"It's been a long time since we've had an Indonesian family film," said Adi, 38, who watched the movie with his wife Ria and their two young children.

But he added that "in Southeast Asia, it will work because the culture is similar, but I'm not sure about regions beyond that".

The film has given hope to Indonesian audiences that their local productions could see more global success.

Cinemagoer Dika, 27, said she believes "the film could rival Disney productions".

Ryan himself has more modest ambitions, hoping simply that his debut feature will become "a stepping stone and a benchmark for Indonesian animation" in the future.

PARIS — Record fossil fuel production kept planet-heating methane emissions near historic highs last year, the International Energy Agency said Wednesday, warning of a surge in massive leaks from oil and gas facilities.

Slashing emissions of methane -- second only to carbon dioxide for its contribution to global warming -- is essential to meeting international targets on climate change and one of the fastest ways to curb temperature rise.

But the IEA warned that countries are considerably underestimating their energy sector methane pollution, estimating that emissions are around 80 per cent higher than the total reported by governments to the United Nations.

The energy sector is responsible for around a third of the methane emitted by human activities.

It leaks from gas pipelines and other energy infrastructure, and is also deliberately released during equipment maintenance.

Tackling this is considered one of the easiest ways to lower emissions because plugging leaks can often be done at little or no cost.

"However, the latest data indicates that implementation on methane has continued to fall short of ambitions," said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.

 'Super-emitters'

The IEA's Global Methane Tracker report said over 120 million tonnes was released from the fossil fuel sector in 2024, close to the record high in 2019.

China has the largest energy methane emissions globally, mainly from its coal sector.

The United States follows in second, driven by its oil and gas sector, with Russia third.

The IEA said its figures are based on measured data where possible, compared to emissions reported by governments, which can be outdated or estimated using information from the energy sector.

Global methane emissions are becoming easier to monitor from space, with more than 25 satellites tracking gas plumes from fossil fuel facilities and other sources.

The IEA said that Europe's Sentinel 5 satellite, which just sees the very largest leaks, showed that "super-emitting methane events" at oil and gas facilities rose to a record high in 2024.

These huge leaks were observed all over the world, but particularly in the United States, Turkmenistan and Russia.

Abandoned oil and gas wells, and coal mines are also significant sources of methane leaking into the atmosphere, the IEA said in new analysis for this year's report.

When taken together they would be the "world's fourth-largest emitter of fossil fuel methane", accounting for some eight million tonnes last year.

 'Tremendous impact'

Some 40 per cent of methane emissions come from natural sources, mainly wetlands.

The rest are from human activities, particularly agriculture and the energy sector.

Because methane is potent but relatively short-lived it is a key target for countries wanting to slash emissions quickly.

More than 150 countries have promised a 30 per cent reduction by 2030.

Oil and gas firms have meanwhile pledged to slash methane emissions by 2050.

The IEA estimated that cutting methane released by the fossil fuel sector would significantly slow global warming, preventing a roughly 0.1 degree Celsius rise in global temperatures by 2050.

"This would have a tremendous impact -- comparable to eliminating all CO2 emissions from the world's heavy industry in one stroke," the report said.

Around 70 per cent of annual methane emissions from the energy sector could be avoided with existing technologies.

But only five percent of global oil and gas meets "near-zero" emissions standards, the IEA said.

Energy think tank Ember said the fossil fuel industry needs to reduce methane emissions by 75 per cent by 2030 if the world is to meet the target of reducing overall emissions to net zero by the middle of this century.

In particular, methane from coal was "still being ignored," said Ember analyst Sabina Assan.

"There are cost-effective technologies available today, so this is a low-hanging fruit of tackling methane. We can't let coal mines off the hook any longer."

NEW YORK — The brightest stars in Hollywood, music, sports and fashion hit the red carpet on Monday for the Met Gala, the extravagant Manhattan fundraiser that this year spotlights the subversive style of Black dandyism.

The blockbuster night's theme explores the sharply tailored dandy aesthetic and its rich, complicated history. It also celebrates the opening of a corresponding exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute.

But for the fashionistas, the Met Gala -- always the first Monday in May -- is simply one of the world's top red carpets with blinding star power.

Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo and Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, two of the co-chairs of fashion's marquee event, were among the early arrivals alongside gala supremo Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue.

Domingo paid tribute to the late Andre Leon Talley, Vogue's first Black creative director and one of fashion's towering figures, in a royal blue Valentino cape with a glittering white collar over a snazzy black and gold jacket and gray tweed trousers.

Hamilton meanwhile wowed in a sharp cream suit and matching backwards cap, diamonds glittering in his ears, as well as on his lapel, cuffs and hands.

And musician and designer Pharrell Williams, another co-chair, looked snappy in a short, pearl-encrusted white jacket and flared black tuxedo trousers.

Tailored suits, bejeweled brooches and jaunty hats were de rigueur for the men.

Among the women in attendance, actress Teyana Taylor definitely understood the assignment, arriving in a black suit with red pinstripes and matching huge red coat, the back fully pleated and "Harlem Rose" embossed in the fabric.

Rapper Doechii wore a logo-heavy Louis Vuitton cream shorts suit with burgundy accents, a cigar dangling between her lips.

And actress Zendaya, always a huge hit at the gala, stunned in a slim white suit and dramatic brimmed hat -- perhaps some bridal chic now that she is engaged to Tom Holland?

Still awaited was singer Rihanna, after she revealed a new baby bump ahead of the event. Her partner A$AP Rocky, a gala co-chair, confirmed the pregnancy on the carpet: "I'm glad everybody's happy for us because we're definitely happy."

 'New sense of importance'

The gala comes five years after the enormous anti-racist uprising of the Black Lives Matter movement, which pushed a number of cultural institutions in the United States to grapple with their representation of race and diversity.

This Met theme is years in the making but now coincides with Donald Trump's recent efforts to quash institutional initiatives to promote diversity -- a push to keep culture and history defined on the Republican president's terms.

The Met Gala and its exhibit, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style", promises a sharp contrast to that notion, a deep dive into Black dandyism from the 18th century to today.

"Obviously, this exhibition was planned many years ago, and we didn't know what would be happening in the political arena, but it's taken on a new sense of importance and purpose," Wintour told AFP.

Subversion

Guest curator and Barnard Professor Monica Miller's book "Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity" was the Met's inspiration.

Her book details how dandyism was a style imposed on Black men in 18th century Europe, when well-dressed "dandified" servants became a trend.

But Black men throughout history subverted the concept as a means of cultivating power, transforming aesthetic and elegance into a means of identity establishment and social mobility.

During the vibrant Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s, men wore sharp suits and polished shoes as a show of defiance in racially segregated America.

"Superfine" is a rare Costume Institute exhibition to spotlight men and male fashion, and the first to focus on Black designers and artists.

The Met Gala was first organised in 1948 and for decades was reserved for New York high society -- until Wintour transformed the party into a high-profile catwalk for the rich and famous in the 1990s.

It remains a fundraiser for the Costume Institute. The famed Manhattan museum reported last year's edition raked in some $26 million.

BASEL, Switzerland — Eurovision host city Basel laid on a mass over-60s disco on Saturday to whip up the party mood ahead of the event's grand final in two weeks' time.

Nearly 1,400 senior citizens attended the bash, an attempt to reach out to the older demographic and get them involved in the Eurovision Song Contest festivities.

The Swiss border city of Basel is hosting this year's edition of the glitzy extravaganza, one of the world's biggest annual live television shows.

It is staging a range of events on the sidelines to make the most of the occasion.

"It's a highlight of the Eurovision for me," said Liz Gilbert, 64, who came dressed in a 1970s outfit.

"Normally it's just on television, so it's great," she told AFP.

"I'm very happy that my hometown can host it."

Women outnumbered the men across the two dance floors, with plenty of over-70s swinging their hips to the music in the mid-afternoon.

One floor played Swiss tunes in the national languages of German, French and Italian, with the other dance floor playing rock and pop classics from the 1960s to the 1980s.

"We are here celebrating the disco like they used to back in the day and we are gathering people from all around Switzerland to have a good time," said Celine Koenig, spokeswoman for the Pro Senectute organisation for the elderly, which helped organise the event.

The tickets cost nine Swiss francs ($11).

Having a ball

Dominique Guerdat, 67, and Carmen Deillon, 61, came with their gym group from nearby Delemont.

"We're having a blast, we're dancing, we're laughing, we're seeing people, and we're drinking. Cheers!" said Guerdat.

"The music is great, it's from our era."

Her friend Deillon had hoped more people would have dressed up in 1970s outfits.

"I was expecting everyone to be like that, but in the end, there aren't many. But it's great, and they have some great hits," she said.

There were plenty of smiles as party-goers bopped away to classic hits from the Rolling Stones, the Monkees, Chubby Checker, Boney M., Wham! and ABBA.

"Opportunities to socialise decrease with age," said Eurovision 2025 host broadcaster SRG.

"This party is designed to give people aged 60 and over the opportunity to meet up and celebrate together.

"Joy is spread through music and dance," it said.

Singing "The Code", Swiss vocalist Nemo's 2024 Eurovision victory in Malmo, Sweden earned Switzerland the right to host this year's 69th edition.

The kitsch celebration is being staged at the St. Jakobshalle indoor arena. The semi-finals are on May 13 and 15, with the final on May 17.

Switzerland hosted the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest in 1956, and again in 1989.

By Dr Tareq Rasheed
International Consultant & Trainer

In today’s fast paced era of digital transformation, rapid skill evolution, and accelerating knowledge, leadership must also evolve too.

Traditional leadership — centred on rigid hierarchies, centralised command and limited team input — no longer serves the dynamic needs of modern organisations.

Enter Lean Leadership: A smarter, faster and more collaborative approach designed to eliminate waste, streamline processes and improve performance.

It’s about cutting through the clutter and focusing on what truly adds value.

The 3 Pillars of Lean Leadership To go lean, leaders must embrace these three key principles:

1. Strategic Clarity

Rather than overcomplicating strategy, use the Business Model Canvas — a practical tool that helps leaders design, visualise, and communicate their strategies clearly.

Once the strategy is in place, leaders should meet with their teams to explain it, gather feedback, and align efforts towards shared goals.

2. Customer-Centric Mindset

Lean organisations treat customers as partners. Listen to them. Engage with them.

Invite their input into strategic conversations. 

Their insights can help shape more effective and responsive business decisions.

3. Agile Development 

Agility is essential for eliminating time-wasting activities.

By adopting Agile strategies, leaders can adapt quickly, reduce unnecessary steps and keep teams focused on high-impact tasks.

Lean in Action: Practical Leadership Tools

Lean leadership isn’t a theory — it’s a hands-on approach.

Here are four proven strategies leaders can implement:

1. Management by Walking Around Step out from behind the desk.

Engage directly with employees and customers.

These informal interactions build trust, foster ownership and keep communication lines open.

2. Results-Based Management (RBM) Move beyond the outdated “Management by Objectives” model.

RBM focuses not just on planning, but on actual outcomes — keeping teams aligned with results that matter.

3. Good Governance Practices A well-governed organisation stands on five key pillars:

1. Participation: Leaders and employees collaborate, especially in critical situations.

2. Responsibility: Clear roles promote accountability.

3. Accountability: Everyone knows what they’re responsible for — and to whom.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous checks ensure progress and alignment.

5. Transparency: Honest communication builds lasting trust.

4. Teamwork Over Individualism Collaborative teams outperform isolated individuals.

When people work together, they solve problems faster, minimise errors, and strengthen organisational loyal In a world filled with constant change and growing expectations, leadership must be agile, inclusive and strategic Lean Leadership is not just a trend — it’s a necessary evolution.

When implemented effectively, it helps organisations achieve their goals faster, with less effort and greater impact.

Reprinted with permission from Family Flavours magazine

VATICAN CITY — As cardinals prepare to elect a new pope, thousands are doing so already, in a new video game that allows users to pick their favourites as the next Pontiff.

Almost 60,000 people have signed up to Fantapapa, an online game that plays on Italians' passion for football and the Church, since it launched after Pope Francis died last week, its creators said on Tuesday.

"People are intrigued by Vatican power dynamics," Pietro Pace, 42, one of the website's two founders, told AFP.

"Playing allows them to try to get inside these dynamics and remove some of the mystery that shrouds them."

The game mimics fantasy league, a pastime of many sports fans where users pretend to be managers of professional teams. Football fantasy league in Italy is known as "Fantacalcio".

Fantapapa -- papa is the Italian word for Pope -- asks players to choose a squad of 11 cardinals, including a captain (the "most papable" cardinal) and a goalkeeper (the least likely winner), providing an insight on users' favourite frontrunners.

As of Tuesday, Matteo Zuppi was the cardinal picked by the most people, followed by Pietro Parolin, Luis Antonio Tagle, and Pierbattista Pizzaballa -- more or less in line with bookies' expectations.

But the top 10 also featured some dark horses.

Cardinal Fabio Baggio ranked seventh, possibly because he shared the surname with Italian football legend Roberto Baggio, Pace said.

Sixth was Jose Advincula of the Philippines, who is first in alphabetical order and thus an easy pick for users rushing to complete their roster.

Mykola Bychok, the Ukrainian archbishop of Melbourne in Australia -- currently the world's youngest cardinal -- was the top choice in goal, meaning most players do not believe he will become Pope.

Points are also assigned to those who guess, among other things, the new Pope's political leaning, his religious order, language and the name he will take.

The most voted options in the latter category were Francis, John, Pius, Paul and Leo.

The brainchild of Pace, an AI worker, and Mauro Vanetti, a game developer, Fantapapa has no money prize because its creators are anti-gambling activists.

Winners will be granted "eternal glory" instead, Pace said.

Pope Francis died aged 88 on April 21. The conclave to elect his successor will begin on May 7.

PARIS — American actor Halle Berry and "Succession" star Jeremy Strong are set to serve on the jury at the Cannes film festival this year that will be headed by French actress Juliette Binoche, organisers announced on Monday. Berry and Strong will be joined by best-selling Franco-Moroccan writer Leila Slimani, Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia and Italian actress Alba Rohrwacher on what will be a women-majority judging panel.

The jury will also include South Korean filmmaker Hong Sangsoo, Mexican director Carlos Reygadas, and Democratic Republic of Congo documentary maker Dieudo Hamadi.

They will be responsible for watching the 21 films in competition this year and awarding the prestigious Palme d'Or at the end of the 78th edition of the festival, which takes place from May 13-24.

The women-majority jury is significant because organisers are under pressure to give a greater platform to women filmmakers and show they are serious about tackling gender inequality and sexual harassment.

President Iris Knobloch has promised that the festival will be "attentive" to the recommendations of a hard-hitting parliamentary inquiry into #MeToo abuses in the film industry which reported its findings earlier this month.

Only seven of the films in the main competition have been made by women directors, the joint highest total.

Australian actor Nicole Kidman is set to receive the 10th Women in Motion Award at this year's festival, which honours individuals who "advance the role of women in cinema and in society", organisers also announced Monday.

A little-known French woman director Amelie Bonnin was given the honour of opening the festival on May 13 with her debut feature "Leave One Day", which is the first time a debut film will start the world's most prestigious film festival.

Last year, the festival's jury was chaired by American filmmaker Greta Gerwig ("Barbie") and included French actor Omar Sy and Japanese director Hirokazu.

Competition

The 2025 competition line-up includes some heavy-hitting festival circuit favourites including American Wes Anderson, Iranian director Jafar Panahi, the Dardenne brothers from Belgium, and veteran American independent filmmaker Richard Linklater.

Panahi, who has been repeatedly detained and banned from film-making in Iran, will present his latest production, "A Simple Accident".

Compatriot Saeed Roustaee is also set to compete for the main prize with his latest feature, "Mother and Child", three years after showing "Leila's Brothers" in Cannes which led to him being sentenced to six months in prison in Iran.

Other directors in-competition include American horror newcomer Ari Aster, who has cast Joaquin Phoenix in his "Eddington", and compatriot Kelly Reichardt who will premiere her heist drama "The Mastermind" featuring John Magaro.

As well as featuring in Wes Anderson's A-list cast in his "The Phoenician Scheme", Scarlett Johansson is set to present her directorial debut "Eleanor the Great", about an elderly woman coping with the death of her best friend, in the secondary "Un Certain Regard" competition.

She will be competing for honours against the debut film made by fellow American actor Kristen Stewart, with the former Twilight star presenting "The Chronology of Water" in the same category.