Friday 27 June 2008

Wim Wenders to chair Venice film festival jury

ROME (Reuters) - Acclaimed German director Wim Wenders will chair the jury of this year's Venice film festival, organizers said on Friday.


Wenders is perhaps best know for his films "The Buena Vista Social Club" (1998) and "Paris, Texas" (1984), both of which scooped up international awards.


He is already a darling of the Venice festival, winning its Golden Lion prize in 1982 with his film "The State of Things" about a shoestring movie producer and his ragtag crew.


He first appeared at the Lido in 1972 with the "Goalkeeper's Fear of the Penalty Kick".


His latest film, "Palermo Shooting" starring Dennis Hopper, divided critics at its premiere at the Cannes film festival last month.


The festival, in its 65th edition this year, runs from Aug 27 to Sept 6.


(Reporting by Phil Stewart)