The press was invited to meet the jury Sunday morning, March 29 commencing the 13th edition of the Paris Film Festival. It was the mayor of Paris, Mr. Jean Tiberi who broke the ice affirming Paris as the capital of cinema…all year round. With more than 300 films shown each week, Fête du Cinema (one ticket for as many films as you can see in a day) several times a year, film studios…, this festival is a natural part of exposing new talent and maintaining Paris' reputation. Lousia Maurin, founder of the festival, was also present and seconded Mr. Tiberi's comment by pointing out that the festival aims at revealing tomorrow's talent.

But with Sean Penn front and center as president of the jury, the press was magnetized in his direction. When asked about French versus American cinema, he underlined a difference of "sensibility." France puts an emphasis on expressive films while America shoots for what is impressive. Referring to the last, Penn said, "I feel alienated from it. In France, in the press, there is a celebration of film. In America, a film is a product." And that was also his explanation as to why he accepted to preside the jury. "I have a certain affinity to France and to French cinema."

Other questions delved into his personal activities. "I'm reluctant to do acting these days." However, he does have a third film in the works to follow up Indian Runner (being shown at the festival) and Crossing Guard. He is waiting for financial backing. He has also established a production company in San Francisco called Clyde is Hungry. When asked why San Francisco, he replied, "The San Francisco restaurants are better than Hollywood's." On a more serious note, he talked about Francis Ford Coppola as being supportive of everyone there and also as his landlord. He also defended the San Francisco community of filmmakers.

"I talked with my jury last night and we're going to be one on this," stated Penn about his jury. "It's important to follow your first impulse. We'll know." He claimed that making a film is an intimate experience. On the other hand, as president of the jury, "I'll be a filmgoer…with responsibility. I want to be open and let the films affect me at their best."

Other than Sean Penn and Mick Hucknall, singer of the British group Simply Red, the jury is composed of French professionals who will all be judging the two American and five European films in the International Competition. The Grand Prix offers a billboard advertising campaign worth more than $100,000 (700,000F) and the Jury's Special Prize an advertising campaign worth about $85,000 (500,000F).