Cannes OKs FIFA film

Actor Gerard Depardieu personally intervened to persuade the Cannes Film Festival to show the FIFA-funded movie “United Passions” that sank almost without trace at the box office after being panned by critics. Cannes director Thierry Fremaux said he initially rejected the movie, thinking it unworthy of the world-famous festival. But Depardieu, who plays World Cup creator Jules Rimet in the film, pressured organizers to rethink. They agreed to let it be shown in the open air on a beach. That was enough to allow marketers to attach the prestigious Cannes name to “United Passions” trailers and posters.