A star-studded cast of film directors and stars have assembled in Italy for the 69th Venice International Film Festival.

The world's oldest international film festival will showcase Korean director Kim Ki-duk's new film "Pieta," which is vying for the Golden Lion, the top award.

Two other Korean films -- Jeon Kyu-hwan's "The Weight" and Yoo Min-young's "Invitation" -- also were invited to be screened.

The festival, which runs until Sept. 8, will feature a total of 52 films.