Venice festival stresses security, films from U.S.

A stellar American profile and heavy security distinguish this year's Venice Film Festival, which began Wednesday night with a martial arts extravaganza, Tsui Hark's "Seven Swords."

Metal detectors were just about everywhere and bomb-searching police divers worked the waters off the Lido, Venice's beach section where the festival is being held. Security concerns about a possible terrorist attack resulted in fewer films this year -- 56 instead of the 70-plus in past years.

Organizers boasted about an unprecedented nine world premieres of U.S. films, including George Clooney's "Good Night, and Good Luck," considered a top contender for the fest's top award -- the Golden Lion. Eighteen other movies are competing for the Golden Lion, including Terry Gilliam's "The Brothers Grimm," John Madden's "Proof" and Abel Ferrara's "Mary."

From Associated Press