"To open the festival" means to begin or start the festival. It is the first event or performance that kicks off the celebration or series of events. Full definition
Such talent includes co-writers Jim Taylor, Tamara Jenkins (whose film «Private Life» helped open the festival on Thursday night), producer Judd Apatow and three usually compelling actors: Rose Byrne, Ethan Hawke, and Chris O'Dowd. (rogerebert.com)
One of her first acts was the removal of a long - held tradition of opening the festival with an Australian film. (sensesofcinema.com)
,» which opened the festival in 2001. (indiewire.com)