​Alejandro Inarritu's "Birdman" to open Venice Film Festival

Alejandro Inarritu's "Birdman," starring Michael Keaton, will open the 71st Venice Film Festival.

Festival organizers announced Thursday that the film, whose full title is "Birdman or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance," will premiere Aug. 27 at the annual Italian festival.

In the black comedy, Keaton plays an actor famous for portraying an iconic superhero who is trying to mount a Broadway play. The movie also stars Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Emma Stone and Naomi Watts.

Inarritu's previous movies include "Babel," "Amores Perros" and "21 Grams." For "Babel," he won the prize for best director at the 59th Cannes Film Festival.

One of the most anticipated films of the fall, "Birdman" lands in theaters North American theaters on Oct. 17.

The Venice Film Festival runs Aug. 27 through Sept. 6.

Watch the trailer below: