The 5th "Monte-carlo Film Festival de la Comédie," takes off today in the Grimaldi Forum. Seven comedies from Belgium, France, Italy, England and Germany are in competition this year.

The English television actor, Stefan Schwartz, director of "Soft Top Hard Shoulder" in 1992, "International Shooting Fish" in 1997 and "The Abduction Club" in 2002 is participating with his latest film "The Best Man." French director and screen writer Édouard Molinaro, of "Cage aux Folles" fame, chairs the jury which comprises the Italian actress Giuliana De Sio, Belgium actress Lio, French actress Evelyne Bouix and Italian actor Danny Quinn.

The Festival's main aim is to promote the different genres of comedy. One of those that will be screened during the evenings is "Festival" by American director Annie Griffin.

Read more about the Monte Carlo Comedy Film festival at http://www.mctimes.com/news/2005/11/Comedy-film-festival.php.