New York has more than a petit presence at this year's Cannes Film Festival

New Yorkhas more than a petit presence at this year'sCannes Film Festival. On Wednesday, son ofBrooklynWoody Allenpremiered his latest romantic comedy,"Midnight in Paris,"starringOwen WilsonandRachel McAdams, while the jury for the 64th annual South ofFrancecompetition is headed byLittle Italy-bredRobert De Niro.

Despite critical and audience raves for his movie, Allen, 75, was his usual nebbishy self, even after 43 feature films.

"I consider myself a hugely lucky filmmaker,"Allen said at the film's opening press conference."I've never considered myself an artist. I've aspired to be one, but I've never felt that I have the depth or substance or the gift to be an artist."

As for his Cannes appearance, Allen said"Midnight in Paris"— the latest of his films to be set abroad — is as much about his love of movies as it is about the City of Light.

"I learned aboutParisthe way all Americans do— from the movies,"he said, then compared it to his hometown."It's the same {as the}New York CityI've shown people around the world, in movies like‘Manhattan.' I don't see {that kind of New York} around me. It's one I recognize from the movies. Same with Paris."

At the opening-night party, jazz renditions of"Empire Stateof Mind"and"New York, New York"were played for guests including New Yorker/Cannes jury memberUma Thurman.

Other films screening during the 10-day-long fest includeTerrence Malick's drama"The Tree of Life,"starringBrad PittandSean Penn; the school-shooting drama"We Need to Talk About Kevin,"withTilda Swinton; the comedy"We Have a Pope,"which sounds a little like"The Sopranos"set inVatican City; and new films from the Dardenne brothers,Pedro Almodovar,Lars von Trier,Gus Van Sant,Takashi MiikeandNanni Moretti.

Mainstream flicks are represented by"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,"the fourth trip forJohnny Depp'sCapt. Jack Sparrow(opening in theaters next Friday), and"Kung Fu Panda 2,"withJack Blackagain voicing Po, which screened for press."KFP2"opens May 26.

The fest wraps on May 22. For continuing Cannes coverage, go to NYDailyNews.com.

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