Mumbai: Anupama Chopra, film critic and author, has been invited to be on the jury for the Un Certain Regard section at the upcoming 61st Cannes Film Festival.

This section screens about 20 features by young filmmakers and seasoned masters and is among the most prestigious sections at the festival.

The Un Certain Regard jury awards can also honor two other films besides the main prizewinner. These prizes will be given at the closing ceremony on 24 May, during which Robert de Niro will present the festival’s top prize, the Palme d’Or.

Chopra said, "This is a huge and unexpected honor. The Cannes Film Festival is the world’s foremost cinema event. I am very proud to represent India and the Indian film industry in this space."

The Un Certain Regard jury is headed by German filmmaker Fatih Akin. The main competition section is headed by actor-director Sean Penn.