The 21 years-old Director, who is the youngest daughter of Mr. Mohsen Makhmalbaf, a noted Iranian film director awarded at Cannes and other similar ceremonies, had won the Festival’s "Jury’s Award" three years ago, with her first film, "The Black Board".

Mr. Makhmalbaf had received international acclaim for his moving story "Qandahar".

"At Five PM" is the story of a young Afghan girl who, attending school after the fall of the Taleban, wanted to become president of Afghanistan.

"Crimson Gold", directed by Mr. Ja’far Panahi, another well-know Iranian film director and producer, selected for "A Certain Look" (Un Certain Regard), relates the saga of a Pizza deliver man who, in a moment in his otherwise dull life, take part at robbing a jewelry.

Mr. Panahi had won the "Golden Camera" of the Festival on 1995 for his "White Balloon" and the prestigious "Golden Lion" of the Venice Film Festival three years ago.

Two other film directors present at this year’s show are Mr. Parviz Shahbazi, with his "Deep Respiration" and Mr. Mamad Haqiqat, who is presenting "Two Angels" at the "International Critic Week".

In "Deep Respiration", Mr. Shahbazi tells the story of two young lads, poor and deprived, cut with their families and the society, looking for their respective destiny.

The story of a pious father, who persuaded that he has killed his son, goes to the shrine of a saint in order to demand pardon.

But some critics have expressed disappointment that a number of high profile films didn't make the selection in time and have dubbed the 2003 menu one of "minimum risk" after the controversial themes broached last year.

Clint Eastwood's crime drama "Mystic River" is a main contender, while outside the competition, sci-fi blockbuster "Matrix: Reloaded" is the big Hollywood excitement.