Hands of Stone at Cannes pays tribute to De Niro

The Cannes Festival, wchich begins Wednesday May 11th, will be screening a special showing of Hands of Stone, a movie about the life of Panamanian boxer Roberto Duran, which was filmed in Panama. The event will pay tribute to the Oscar-winning actor who plays Duran's manager and coach, Robert De Niro.

“I’m excited to be coming back to Cannes especially with this movie “Hands of Stone” that I’m so proud of, said Robert De Niro.

The movie will be screened May 16th in the Palais des Festivals’ Grand Theatre Lumière. Hands of Stone will be released in the U.S. and Panama on August 26.  The renowned Panamanian singer, multi Grammy winner, and actor, Ruben Blades, is also in the film playing the role of Duran’s attorney Carlos Eleta.

Blades says that the tribute to Robert De Niro is deserved. “It is obvious that he is very happy with his participation in Hands of Stone, and he is doing everything possible to promote it. This shows his respect and admiration for Duran” Blades concludes.

Many expats played extras in the crowds to reflect fans in the Montreal Forum where the actual fight was back in the day.