Eastwood presents his movie Space Cowboys at Deauville

Independent films

Independent and low-budget films being showcased in the Panorama section include David Mamet's new offering State and Main, and Darren Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream.

Irish director Neil Jordan heads up an otherwise mainly French festival jury who will choose between the 10 largely unknown directors presenting films in competition.

They include Karyn Kusama whose Girlfight - set in New York's kick-boxing scene - caused a stir at Cannes in May.

She may follow in the footsteps of last year's Deauville winner - Spike Jonze's Being John Malkovich - which went on to become a major box office success.

Many film-makers are appearing at both Deauville and Venice.

British director Stephen Frears has a different film at each festival: High Fidelity at Deauville and the UK-made Liam at Venice, which runs until 9 September.

Japanese director Takeshi Kitano is presenting his first English-language film, Brother, set in the United States, at both events.

Special tributes are also being organised for Samuel L Jackson, Susan Sarandon, and the Italian producer Dino de Laurentiis.

Musical stars such as Joel Grey, Gregory Hines, Leslie Caron and the legendary child actor Mickey Rooney - now 79 - are also attending as part of a tribute to Broadway and screen musicals.