For the third time in his prolific career, Woody Allen has produced a film that will open the Cannes Film festival. Called “Cafe Society,” it demonstrates, he says, “why life is worth living.”

Tuesday’s announcement confirms Cannes’s love affair with the 81-year-old American director. “Cafe Society” will follow Allen’s “Midnight in Paris” of 2011, and “Hollywood Ending” of 2002, as the festival’s opening film.

Woody Allen has produced a film that will open the Cannes Film festival, called "Cafe Society", it demonstrates, he says, "why life is worth living".

Starring Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg, the movie will have its red-carpet premiere  May 11.

Blake Lively, Parker Posey, and Steve Carell also appear in the film, set in 1930s Hollywood.

“The only thing you can think of as an artist is to try and come up with something that will, where you can explain to people why life is worth living and is a positive thing,” Allen said.

The film tells the story of a young man coming to Hollywood hoping to work in the film industry. He falls in love and becomes swept up in the cafe society that defined the spirit of the age.

"I consider myself a completely lucky film maker. I've had nothing but good luck. Everything I've needed has come my way. I've never considered myself an artist," Woody said.

"I've aspired to be an artist but I never felt I had the depth or the substance or the gift to be an artist. I do think I have some talent but it doesn't go as far as being an artist."

The 69th Cannes Film Festival will run from May 11 to 22. “Mad Max” director George Miller will head the competition jury.