Polanski film premieres at Venice despite controversy

Roman Polanski's new film has had its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, despite controversy over its inclusion, BBC News reported.

Argentine director Lucrezia Martel, who is chairing the festival's jury, said she did not want to "congratulate" the director and that his participation in the festival is said to have made her "uncomfortable".

Polanski, who is wanted in the US after admitting to sex with a minor in 1977, did not attend the screening.

J'Accuse (An Officer and a Spy) stars Oscar-winning actor Jean Dujardin.

Martel later stressed she had no "prejudice" against Polanski's film, and would see it after the gala premiere.

The film is a historical thriller telling the true story of French Jewish army officer Alfred Dreyfus, who was falsely accused of treason in the 19th Century.

Dujardin plays a French officer who uncovers evidence that Dreyfus was framed, and who risks his life to expose the truth.

Polanski pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl in Los Angeles in 1977, but then fled the US. He has also faced further allegations of sexual assault.