An unlikely annual attraction at the Cannes Film Festival is a canny cast of falcons.
The UAE national bird plays a key role in fending off unwanted and unseemly birds — seagulls, pigeons and the like — which could distract or upset A-list al fresco diners.
According to locals, these pests steal food and upset drinks — but falcons, as well as hawks, prove the silent saviours of chic crowds on the iconic Promenade de la Croisette.
The birds of prey prove so popular that many stars have historically stopped to snap selfies with Garfield, Big Foot and Aladdin. Eva Longoria is said to share the lens with falcons every year, while action hardmen Sylvester Stallone, Antonio Banderas and Jason Statham have also stopped by to take a snap.
The birds are supplied by French falconer Christophe Puzin who, according to The Hollywood Reporter, is working his fifth festival.
The Cannes Films Festival runs from May 11-22.
rgarratt@thenational.ae
