Coens' latest to premiere at Venice Film Festival

The Coen brothers' latest movie Burn After Reading will receive an out-of competition premiere at this year's Venice Film Festival when it opens on August 27th.

Starring Brad Pitt, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, and John Malkovich, the comedy focuses on two gym employees who stumble upon a CIA official's memoir.

It looks likely that European films will dominate this year's event, with the actor's strike having dramatically reduced Hollywood entries.

Many of the films competing for the prestigious Golden Lion award will be world premieres, including Kathryn Bigelow's Iraq war drama Hurt Locker and Marco Bechis' Birdwatchers.

Strong favourites for the coveted award are Achilles and the Tortoise, from Japanese director Takeshi Kitano and Hayao Miyasaki's animated feature Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.

The festival jury will be headed by German director Wim Wenders, whose work includes Paris, Texas and The Buena Vista Social Club.

A winner is to be awarded with the Golden Lion on September 6th.

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