Luc Besson's "The Lady" Opens Rome Film Festival

French director Luc Besson's "The Lady," about Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, will open this year's Rome Film Festival, organizers said Thursday.

The Oct. 27-Nov. 4 festival will feature 15 in-competition films and conclude with a screening of a restored "Breakfast at Tiffany's" to mark the classic's 50th anniversary.

"The Lady," which stars Michelle Yeoh and Daniel Thewelis, is being shown out of competition.

Films vying for the Marc'Aurelio prizes include U.S. director Tanya Wexler's "Hysteria," about the invention of the vibrator in Victorian England; "Hotel Lux" by German director Leander Haussmann and Norwegian director Pal Sletaune's "Babycall."

Richard Gere is to receive a special actor's prize, while directors Wim Wenders and Michael Mann are expected to be on hand for audience talks.

The jury of the sixth annual Rome Festival is headed by Oscar-winning composer Ennio Morricone and features Roberto Bolle, a principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, and actresses Debra Winger and Carmen Chaplin.