Banned Bangladeshi film opens

A Bangladeshi film, Matir Moyna -- known in English as the Clay Bird -- has opened the Director's Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival.

Organisers say it's the first from Bangladesh to be shown at the international festival.

Directed by Tareq Masud, the film tells the story of a young boy living in a madrasa or religious seminary.

The Bangaldeshi government has banned it, saying it portrays a distorted image of the madrasa education system, and could hurt the feelings of Muslims.

The Director's Fortnight is non-competitive showcase, running alongside the main festival in the south of France.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service