International Film Festival Opens in Venice

Venice Film Festival, the oldest film event in Europe, opens on Wednesday. Faced with the global economic downturn, the festival director talks about his expectations for this year's event and the international film industry. Second only to Cannes in terms of prestige, Venice has suffered since the economic downturn of 2008.

Many Hollywood producers prefer to show their films at a cheaper venue that overlaps with Venice, the Toronto Film Festival. But Festival Director Marco Mueller insists that his festival will only accept world premieres, Xinhua informs.

Darren Aronofsky's psychological thriller Black Swan, starring Natalie Portman, will open the gala. Director Quentin Tarantino heads up this year's jury to detemine the awards, including main Golden Lion prize, which Aronofsky won in 2008 for The Wrestler.

Some 79 movies are expected to premiere over the festival's 11-day run, BBC News says.