Rupert Everett will be among those representing the UK

Clockwork Orange star McDowell has been chosen as this year's jury president, while O'Toole and Everett will be among the actors to present films.

Among the 100-plus films in the week-long festival, from 24 March, 14 will be features made in the UK, highlighted in a special dedicated section.

The Paris film festival, now in its 18th year, has built a reputation on its commitment to showcasing movies that might otherwise not be seen in Europe.

Also being celebrated at this year's event will be films from Algeria, again flagged up in a section of their own.

The British films on offer over the week of the festival include Pandemonium, directed by Julien Temple.

The drama tells the story of the volatile friendship between poets Coleridge and Shelley and stars Linus Roache.

The small-budget film was made in 2000 but did not get a cinema release in the UK.

Prize-giving

Elsewhere on the festival programme are a number of US movies.

Opening the festival will be The Life of David Gale, starring Kevin Spacey and Kate Winslet.

Kate Winslet stars in The Life of David Gale

Denzel Washington's directorial debut Antwone Fisher will end the festival on 1 April.

The Paris film festival has always made it a goal to champion first-time film-makers.

This year's official competition is made up of first and second-time directors.

The list of 14 pictures is made up of French and Asian films with one US film, Secretary from Steven Shainberg, and two from Eastern Europe.

Prizes will also be handed out in five other categories, including the film most appreciated by the public.

Jury president McDowell takes over from French actress Isabelle Adjani, who will act as honorary president.