The BBC reported that Moretti, 53, stepped down after learning that his appointment was strongly opposed by some organizers of the festival, which focuses on young directors and independent works from around the world.

"With great pain I give up the job and leave you to your ... personal grudges," Moretti said in a statement.

Moretti's films include "The Son's Room," which received the coveted Palme d'Or in 2001 at the Cannes Film Festival.