AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- The Las Vegas-themed movie "21" is slated to open the upcoming 15th edition of the South by Southwest Film Conference & Festival in Austin, Texas.
Directed by Robert Luketic and starring Jim Sturgess, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey and Laurence Fishburne, the film is to premiere March 7, ahead of a planned March 28 theatrical release.
Based on Ben Mezrich's book, "Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six M.I.T. Students Who Took Vegas for Millions," the movie will screen at Austin's Paramount Theater and will help kick off nine days of film screenings, parties and panel sessions, as well as the SXSW trade show.
"We're thrilled to have '21' screen as the opening night film of SXSW 2008," festival producer Matt Dentler said in a statement. "With a great story, as well as fantastic talent in front of and behind the camera, we're willing to bet that audiences will be just as excited."
Other films set to unspool during the event are "At the Death House Door," "Dreams with Sharp Teeth," "Flawless," "Run Fatboy Run" and "Wild Blue Yonder."
