Italian fest bites on 'Falafel'

World Brief

By VARIETY STAFF

The world premiere of Richard Lowenstein's grunge drama "He Died With a Falafel in His Hand," starring Noah Taylor ("Lara Croft: Tomb Raider") takes place today during the Fifth Isola del Cinema (Cinema Isle) Film Festival in Rome.

Dedicated to the late leader of rock band INXS, Michael Hutchence, and based on the novel by John Birmingham, "Falafel" is produced by Italian indie Fandango and Australia's Notorius Film. Rome's Intra Movies is responsible for international sales.

The Isola del Cinema fest, on Tiberina Island on the Tiber river, closes August 20.