George Clooney's "The Ides of March" has been announced as the movie that will open the 2011 Venice film festival. The political thriller about a U.S. presidential race set in the near future, will premiere at the festival when it kicks off on August 31st.

The movie poster for "The Ides of March," starring George Clooney and Ryan Gosling and directed by Mr. Clooney.

The Hollywood star is a regular on the red carpet.

His presence at the world's oldest film festival, along with cast members Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Evan Rachel Wood, should ensure a glitzy launch.

Clooney wrote and directed "The Ides of March," which is based on Beau Willimon's play "Farragut North."

Clooney's previous stints behind the camera have been met with critical acclaim, winning him two Oscar nominations, for "Good Night, and Good Luck" in 2005.

"The Ides of March" tells the story of a young, idealistic press secretary working for a US presidential candidate. Despite his best intentions, he becomes dangerously involved in a web of deceit and corruption.

The 68th edition of the world's oldest film festival runs from August 31st to September 10th this year.