'Mary Queen of Scots' to close American Film Institute Fest

Josie Rourke's directorial Mary Queen of Scots will premiere at the closing night of the 32nd edition of the American Film Institute (AFI) Fest.

The Focus Features and Working Title project stars Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth in the movie, while Saoirse Ronan is essaying the role of Mary Stuart, reported The Hollywood Reporter.

The story revolves around Mary, who as a child was taken to France and engaged to King Henry II's eldest son Francis. The marriage, however, was short-lived as Francis died a year after assuming power following his father's death and Mary returned to Scotland in an effort to regain favour with her cousin, Queen Elizabeth.

"This commanding story of powerful women and political rivalry that shaped world history will close AFI Fest on a high note. This year's festival showcases compelling women-directed narratives that challenge the status quo, and Mary Queen of Scots is no exception," said AFI Festivals director Michael Lumpkin.

Another Focus release, On the Basis of Sex, directed by Mimi Leder, will open the AFI Fest with its own world premiere on November 8.

The fest will run from November 8 to 15 at the TCL Chinese Theatre, the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, the Egyptian Theatre, and The Hollywood Roosevelt.

The film will hit the theatres on December 7, 2018 (United States) and January 18, 2019 (United Kingdom), it is produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, and Liza Chasin.