George Clooney, Sandra Bullock space drama to open Venice film fest

The new sci-fi drama Gravity, starring George Clooney and Sandra Bullock as astronauts stranded in space, has landed the opening slot at the upcoming Venice Film Festival.

Organizers announced on Wednesday that the latest from Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron would be their opening night film.

A 3D production, Gravity revolves around Clooney and Bullock's characters as their shuttle is destroyed and they are left drifting in orbit. The screening will mark the first time Cuaron will debut a new film out of competition in Venice, considered the world's oldest film fest.

His 2001 film Y tu mama tambien, starring Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna, won two awards at that year's edition, while his dystopian 2006 drama Children of Men also earned a prize.

Gravity, which Cuaron co-wrote with his filmmaker son, Jonas,will screen on Aug. 28 following the opening ceremony. It opens in theatres in October.

The Venice Film Festival ends Sept. 7.

As previously announced,famed director Bernardo Bertolucci will preside over this year's jury, which chooses the festival's top prize: the Golden Lion. A complete lineup announcement is expected later this month.