Film festival draws stars to Venice

The Italian actress Sofia Loren is among the stars in Venice

VENICE, Italy -- Film fans are gathering in Venice to catch a glimpse of some of Hollywood's biggest names during a 10-day celebration of cinema, culture and glamour, starting on Thursday.

Sofia Loren is among those expected to attend the 59th Venice Film Festival -- the world's oldest cinema showcase -- to promote her director son Edoardo Ponti's film "Between Strangers," in which she stars.

Freelance photographer Giovanni Brunello, who has covered the last 20 festivals, told Reuters: "I've seen all her films so if I get a glimpse of her in the flesh I'll be ecstatic."

The annual film festival is known for showcasing films and directors from outside Hollywood, and Venice citizens take great pride in the mix of cultures their festival reflects.

Venice's Mayor Paolo Costa said: "It isn't a snobby festival. We see cinema as an art and search out good films, whether they were made in Burkina Faso or by the U.S. majors."

Fans should also be able to catch a glimpse of stars such as Tom Hanks, promoting "Road to Perdition" and Harrison Ford, promoting "K-19:The Widowmaker."

Hollywood stars Salma Hayek and Antonio Banderas were expected on the red carpet for Thursday's gala debut, which presented the life story of the Mexican artist and revolutionary Frida Kahlo, in Julie Taymor's "Frida".

The city of Venice is no stranger to the big screen, as directors throughout the years have used the city's characteristic landscape as a backdrop.

The city of Venice has itself starred in many films over the years

Film fans are queueing up for official tickets selling for six euros ($5.89), but a big screen in the central Piazza San Polo will also show the films after their official debut.

Randolph Salter, a South African student, said: "I can't believe my holiday coincides with the film festival. Forget St Mark's and the Rialto bridge, I'm going to the movies!"

"Frida" was the first out of 21 films from the main competition to be shown at the festival, where the winner of the Golden Lion will be announced on September 8.

The festival takes place on Lido, which is a long strip of land and sand that separates the ancient lagoon city from the Adriatic sea.