Birmingham-based film director and screenwriter Yuri Shapochka appeared at the FOX6 Studio in the "Good Day" show with Rick Journey to talk about his experience at Cannes. Recently, he showcased two of his short films, "High Expectations" and "Waiting," at the Short Film Corner at the Cannes Film Festival. Both films were shot and produced in Birmingham. Mr. Shapochka was accompanied at the festival by his writing partner Marina Bolshinskaya and actress Natasha Reshetnikova, who starred in the HBO film "Rasputin" with Alan Rickman.

The Cannes Film Festival, founded in 1939, is considered to be the premier event for showcasing new talent and debuting significant film work. While at the festival, Mr. Shapochka networked with a number of international production and distribution companies and TV channels and took the opportunity to promote Birmingham as a city that supports independent filmmaking.