Venice film festival to open with ballet thriller 'Black Swan'

Organisers of the Venice film festival this year have revealed that the event will open with the psychological thriller Black Swan, starring Natalie Portman.

The film, directed by US director Darren Aronofsky, also features Vincent Cassel and Winona Ryder, and it centres on the rivalry between two dancers at a cutthroat ballet company in New York.

"The cast and crew of Black Swan are both excited and humbled by the selection committee's invitation," the BBC quoted Aronofsky as saying.

"It is an honour to walk the great red carpet on the Lido, and we are excited to premiere our film to the wonderful audiences in Venice," he added.

The Venice festival runs from 1-11 September. The full line-up will be unveiled later this month.