Coppola's 'eyes are open' on first Lebanon visit

Legendary US film director Francis Ford Coppola, currently in Lebanon, said his eyes were open to the possibility of making a film about the country.

"I don't know if you can expect a motion picture (on Lebanon) by Francis Ford Coppola, but my eyes are open," he told reporters in response to a question on Tuesday.

Coppola, 70, is the star attraction at the Beirut International Film Festival, which opens on Wednesday with a screening of his latest production "Tetro," the story of two brothers reunited after a 10-year separation.

Best known for his trilogy "The Godfather," Coppola advised young local directors to find their own voices and tell their own stories.

The multiple Oscar-winning director said he was particularly looking forward to trying Lebanese wine and food, especially the chickpea-based dip hummus, on his first trip to the tiny Mediterranean country.

The October 7-14 festival will also host acclaimed filmmaker Ang Lee, 65, who will attend the screening of his latest film "Taking Woodstock" at the closing ceremony on October 14.

Lee's works include award-winning films "Brokeback Mountain" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."

The film will showcase some 40 international films, including features, documentaries and short works by Arab directors.

Experimental films are set to make a strong show this year alongside eight full-length feature films by directors from across the Arab world.