Los Angeles  - A film about Michael Jackson titled Michael Jackson THIS IS IT will be shown in cinemas around the world for two weeks starting in late October, Sony Pictures Entertainment said on Thursday.

Tickets should be available from 27 September, with the film opening in cinemas on October 28, Sony said.

The studio confirmed earlier reports that Kenny Ortega (High School Musical) would direct it. Ortega was also supposed to stage Jackson's comeback concerts planned for July in London.

The singer died suddenly of heart failure in Los Angeles on June 25.

In early August, a judge gave the go-ahead for a contract for the film between the studio, concert promoter AEG Live and Jackson's estate.

The film is expected to contain video footage from Jackson's last concert rehearsals filmed shortly before his death. Friends and colleagues are also thought likely to appear.

"It is a very private, exclusive look into a creative genius's world," Ortega said. (doa)