Madonna unveiling royal biopic at Venice

Pop star Madonna has arrived in Venice to premiere her second feature as a director at the city's film festival. The 53-year-old is in town to present W.E., loosely based on the relationship between American divorcee Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII. Britain's Andrea Riseborough portrays Simpson in the singer's second outing behind the camera, which screens out of competition at this year's event. The festival began on Wednesday with George Clooney's The Ides of March. Thursday will also see Roman Polanski's new film Carnage have its premiere on the Lido, the Italian city's sea-facing island that hosts the annual 10-day festival. But its 78-year-old director will not be attending the launch alongside members of the film's cast. The veteran film-maker is wanted in the US due to to his 1977 conviction for unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl, and risks extradition if he travels. The 68th Venice Film Festival continues until 10 September.