Jarmusch's zombies to open Cannes

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Jim Jarmusch's "The Dead Don't Die" zombie comedy will open this year's Cannes Festival in a swashbuckling start starring the likes of Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Tilda Swinton, Iggy Pop and Tom Waits.

The movie is Jarmusch's 13th as he once again hits the Croisette, scene of his 1984 Camera d'Or prize winner "Stranger Than Paradise" and his 2005 Grand prix success "Broken Flowers."

"The Dead Don't Die" will be a contender for the Palme d'Or top prize at the festival, Cannes organizers said in a statement.

Jarmusch embarks on his zombie offering where the undead battle local police after alighting on a swathe of previous genres including his "Dead Man" western, his Samurai crime action offering "Ghost Dog" and his "Only Lovers Left Alive" vampire flick, a 2013 Palme d'Or nomination.

A still shot of "Only Lovers Left Alive." /VCG Photo

"'The Dead Don't Die' is not only a comedy and a sometimes terrifying subversion of the genre (with a nod to the standout George Romero film, 'Night of the Living Dead') but also a homage to the 7th art," organizers said.

"The Dead Don't Die" will be released in France on May 14, the same day as its Cannes unveiling and a month earlier than in the United States.

The Cannes jury, chaired by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, will award the Palme d'Or on May 25.

(Top image: Director Jim Jarmusch attends the "Paterson" press conference during the 69th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France, May 16, 2016. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): AFP