Film festival tightens belt in recession By audrey stuart cannes, france Sparkling wine instead of champagne, onion tart for foie gras:Cannes is preparing for a bling free film festival next month as the movie industry sobers up in tune with the global downturn. "We're experiencing an unprecedented world crisis and it's also affecting the riviera and cannes,"Said michel chevillon, head of the hotel association in the mediterranean city, gearing up to host the 62nd edition of the festival. Star power and prestige have helped cannes limit the damage compared to some other big industry events. Crisis or no crisis, the usual cast of a list stars, hot directors and hollywood studios are jetting in for the top international film showcase on may 13 24, the world's biggest media event after the olympic games. "Companies are sending fewer people, for shorter periods,"Chevillon said. Jacques dessange, the official cannes hairdresser, is bringing 15 stylists ins ... Read more »