CANNES, France, May 14 -- The nine-member Jury of the 67th Festival de Cannes, presided over by Jane Campion, gave its inaugural press conference here on Wednesday and revealed an enthusiastic outlook to the upcoming film gala.

"We have a great responsibility resting on our shoulders," Campion, a director, writer and producer from New Zealand, told the press conference.

"I always find it fascinating to try and understand a director's vision of the world. For all of us, film is our passion and this is what's going to be dictating how we react," she said.

"I can't predict our reactions advance. Each film is different, one might have a savage tone, the next made with a delicate touch, but they are all a surprise and stimulate new emotions," said the jury president.

The Cannes International Film Festival Organizing Committee announced the finalists of this year's event in April. Fifty films were selected, of which 18 films will be in the main competition.

U.S. actor Willem Dafoe, a jury member, said "I'm expecting to see some good films and find myself involved in a creative process, the outcome of which will be our decision."

"It's fascinating, creative and fun all at the same time," he added.

Chinese jury member Jia Zhangke said "Being part of the Festival de Cannes, it's like being in the mood for love, like falling in love every day. We'll be watching the films with open minds."

A total of more than 1,800 films are submitted to the 67th Cannes Film Festival, which will run during May 14-25.