Taymor's Tempest to close Venice film fest

The Tempest, Julie Taymor's adaptation of the Shakespearean classic starring Helen Mirren as the sorceress Prospera, will have its world premiere at this year's Venice Film Festival.

On Monday, the festival announced the film as its closing night gala Sept. 11, but said the work would screen out of competition.

Taymor, who worked with the Beatles' music for her 2007 film Across the Universe, is also an acclaimed stage producer of works such as The Lion King. Her 2002 film Frida earned six Academy Award nominations and won two.

Venice festival organizers praised the American-born director for her "visual flair and creative direction."

She has worked with her husband, Oscar-winning composer Elliot Goldenthal, to create original music for The Tempest.

Shakespeare's sorcerer becomes a powerful sorceress trying to protect her daughter in Taymor's version, which follows Prospera's journey through vengeance to forgiveness as she reigns over a magical island.

The film also stars Russell Brand, Djimon Hounsou, Alfred Molina and Felicity Jones as Miranda. It was shot in Hawaii.

The Tempest is scheduled for released in North America in December.