Rome film fest off to late start

ROME, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- The Rome Film Festival screening of "Last Night" began 2 hours late as protesters picketed the event over the government's slashes to arts funding.

The BBC said the movie's stars, Keira Knightley and Eva Mendes, and director Massy Tadjedin skipped the premiere's red carpet Thursday to show they backed the demonstrating artists.

"We are pleased to renounce the red carpet and support you," ANSA quoted Tadjedin as saying.

The film festival is to run through Nov. 5.