"I am proud to be part of the Swansea Life Film Festival. It provides a great opportunity for the city and a showcase for local talent," the Oscar-winning "Chicago" star told the Western Mail newspaper by phone.

"I feel the possibilities are endless as it gives local talent both in front and behind the camera the chance to express themselves creatively. The festival also, more importantly, gives local talent the opportunity to show their work in an international arena."

Movies by 267 independent filmmakers are to be screened for free at the Dylan Thomas Center during the festival's run from May 31 to June 7.

"While long established festivals such as Cannes, Toronto and Sundance get a lot of publicity, they've become almost too famous for their own good in terms of providing a platform for talented new filmmakers," Peter Morris, chairman of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts in Los Angeles, told the newspaper. "Festivals such as Swansea provide much more a level playing field for up-and-comers to showcase their films."