CANNES, France — Cannes Film Festival organizers say they are "disturbed" by comments about Adolf Hitler made by Danish filmmaker Lars von Trier.

They say von Trier has explained he "allowed himself to be egged on by a provocation" in a news conference. The festival said Wednesday "he presents his apology."

In the news conference that followed the screening of his latest film, "Melancholia," von Trier launched into a rambling monologue about his German heritage, at one point saying "I understand Hitler."

He also said he thinks Israel is a pain and plans to make a porn flick with Kirsten Dunst, who stars in "Melancholia."

The festival says it "acknowledges" von Trier's apology.