Two UK films in running for Cannes win

The Wind That Shakes The Barley

A Scottish film about a CCTV operator and Ken Loach's latest work have been nominated for the prestigious Palme d'Or award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Red Road, directed by Scot Andrea Arnold, tells the story of Jackie, who watches the security cameras for Glasgow City Council. Arnold last year won an Oscar for her short film Wasp.

Claire Chapman of Scottish Screen, which helped fund the film, said that the nomination, as her first full length work, was a remarkable achievement for Arnold. "We at Scottish Screen could not be more pleased and we are sure audiences will love the film," she commented. "It has a wonderful script, sensitively directed, with some outstanding performances from the young cast."

Ken Loach's The Wind That Shakes The Barley - about two brothers in the Irish war of independence – is also nominated. Written by Brit Paul Laverty, the film stars Cillian Murphy and Liam Cunningham.

Paul Trijbits, head of the New Cinema Fund, which part-funded both films, welcomed the news. "It is fantastic the Cannes selection committee has selected Ken Loach's and Andrea Arnold's films," he explained. "It confirms British film talent continues to produce films which excite the most prestigious film festival in the world."

The festival opens on May 17.