It's that time of year again...

After huge storms and surfable waves in the Mediterranean last week, the opening of the Cannes International Film Festival yesterday looked like it would be blessed with sun... until the skies opened on the red carpet premiere of Ridley Scott's Robin Hood, out of competition.

Today, however, the sunny blue skies of the Côte d'Azur seem to have returned; the beaches are beginning to be populated with beautiful people, and throngs are crowding the sidewalks outside the Palais to try to get their hands on some of those ever-illusive red carpet invitations.

Even if you don't manage to see a film here in Cannes, the atmosphere of the small seaside city at festival time is intoxicating. Ca bouge, as the French say:there is movement everywhere, and you would never believe that just a few days ago the Croisette was quiet, the Suquet's restaurant terraces half-empty. Today, you'd be lucky to find a seat in the sun anywhere, which doesn't stop people from trying.

In just two weeks, the city will empty again, but for now, Cannes is animated by the glamour of the festival.

- Emily Monaco