The 49th Monte-Carlo Television Festival was officially declared open by its Honorary President, H.S.H. Prince Albert II, last night. A star-studded opening ceremony was followed by the international premiere of the television documentary film “Backdoor Channels: The Price of Peace”.

Members of the production team of the opening film including Director Harry Hunkele, Script Writer Jonathan Hicks, Executive Producers Arick Wierson and Matthew Tollin, Co-Producer Vered Kollek-Meisel, Associate Producer Jenny Lee, Editor Mimi Wong, Art Director Roland le Breton and Director of Photography William Fitzgerald attended the event. Attendees to the screening included Eric Close (Without a Trace), Doug Davidson and Michelle Stafford (The Young and The Restless), Bryan Dattilo (Days of our Lives), Dounia Coesens (La Plus Belle Vue – one of France’s most successful soap operas to date), Arnaud Ducret (sitcom Camera Café) Karine Ferry (Daily celebrity gossip show Fan De) and Josee Drevon (drama series Kaamelott).

During the opening ceremony at Monte Carlo’s Grimaldi Forum, H.S.H. Prince Albert II introduced distinguished jury members who will screen nominated entries and designate the recipients of this year’s prestigious Golden Nymph Awards. This year’s Jury presidents are Chuck Lorre (Two and A Half Men, Big Bang Theory), Joseph Sargent and Jo Baier.

Chief executive officer of The Monte Carlo TV Festival, David Tomatis said “We are delighted to open this year’s festival with a film dedicated to the Peace Treaty as Camp David celebrates its 30th anniversary. The film reveals the untold story behind the landmark peace between Israel and Egypt and its message is as impactful today as it was in 1979. We are also very pleased to welcome members of the various festival juries who will be screening television programming from all corners of the world in Monaco this week. They will have a difficult job as the standard of entries this year is even higher as The Golden Nymph award has become one of the most coveted and respected recognitions in the television industry.”

Stars in Monte Carlo for the five-day Television Festival include cast members from hit international TV series such as Lost, Bones, The Ghost Whisperer, 90210, Gossip Girl, Desperate Housewives, Law and Order, CSI NY, CSI Miami, CSI Las Vegas, The L Word, Battlestar Galactica, The Border, Breaking Bad, The Bold and the Beautiful, Private Practice and NCIS along with a plethora of French and international stars.

Other highlights of the 49th Monte Carlo Television Festival this week include the international television program competition and Golden Nymph Awards Ceremony, premiere screenings, glamorous receptions and parties organised by some of the major European networks and studios which all contribute to the magical atmosphere of Monaco.

More than 300 journalists from around the world are present to cover this unique international television festival attended by the creative forces of the industry.