TawfikAbu-Wael, the Palestinian director who made a splash in the Cannes Critics'Week section this year with Thirst (Atash) is one of six youngfilm-makers selected by the Cannes festival for its residential trainingprogramme, Cannes Residence.

Selectedby a committee headed by director Marion Vernoux, the other five interns areCelia Galan Julve from Spain, Brendan Grant (Ireland), Nadine Labaki (Lebanon),Josue Mendez (Peru) and Slava Ross (Russia).

Thefour month programme is intended to help writing and script development skillson a first or second feature project and takes place in France from October.Participants are matched with industry professionals and film-makers, while thefestival provides their board and lodging.

Previousattendees have included Lucretia Martel (Holy Girl), Djamshed Usmanov (AngelOn The Right), Emily Young (Kiss Of Life) and Peter Sollet (LongWay Home).