Director Lee to head Venice film fest jury

VENICE, Italy, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The jury for this year's Venice Film Festival in Italy will be headed up by director Ang Lee, event organizers say.

The festival's Web site reveals the Taiwanese-born director will serve as chairman of the judging jury, the BBC reported Friday. The event will run Sept. 2-12.

Organizers called Lee, who directed "Brokeback Mountain," "one of the most highly appreciated international film makers" in their online posting.

"He is one of the most successful directors in creating a dialogue between the film-making culture of the East and West," they added.

Lee has previously won two the Venice Film Festival's prestigious Golden Lion award, once for "Brokeback" and another time for "Lust, Caution."

Last year's Golden Lion award for best movie went to "The Wrestler," the BBC said.