Nicole Kidman to open Rome film festival

ROME, Aug 25 (Reuters) Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman will open Rome's first international film festival with her portrayal of US photographer Diane Arbus, organisers said today.

Kidman plays Arbus in Steven Shainberg's ''Fur'', which premiers in Rome.

''I love Italy and I feel great affinity with it,'' Kidman said in a statement issued by organisers of the Rome festival. ''I am especially proud to be christening this important event.'' Kidman's presence in the capital will add to a debate in Italy over the rivalry between the Rome event and Venice's venerable film festival, established in 1932.

Just two years ago Kidman was the headline star at the Venice festival.

Film industry experts say the two festivals will compete over stars and premieres, and Rome could cast a shadow over Venice's festival, which has been dogged by+ organisational and financial problems.

After her suicide in 1971 Arbus became the first American photographer to be exhibited by the Venice Biennale, the art foundation that oversees the Venice festival, the world's oldest film competition.

Rome organisers said premieres to be screened at the October.

13-21 event included ''The Namesake'' by Indian director Mira Nair and ''N'' -- a film about Napoleon by Italy's Paolo Virzi.

Sean Connery will receive an award for lifetime achievement.

REUTERS MS RK2148