Wong Kar-wai to head Cannes film jury

CANNES, France, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- The presidency of the 2006 Cannes Film Festival jury was awarded Wednesday to Hong Kong film director Wong Kar-wai.

Wong will be the first Chinese filmmaker to helm the jury, the BBC reported. His movie "2046" was critically-hailed at Cannes two years ago.

"Every town has its own language. In Cannes, it's the language of dream," Wong said in a statement. "I am eager to share the dreams of the greatest talents of contemporary cinema with my jury comrades."

The 59th Cannes Film Festival is scheduled May 17-28.