Beirut  - The Beirut International Film Festival opened Wednesday in the presence of legendary US film director Francis Ford Coppola, who was coy about the possibility of making a film Lebanon.

"I don't know if you can expect a film (on Lebanon) by Francis Ford Coppola, but my eyes are open," he told reporters.

The Beirut International Film Festival opened with the screening of Coppola's latest production Tetro, which follows two brothers who are reunited after a ten-year separation.

Coppola, who first became famous for his film The Godfather, was the star of the opening day with crowds gathering around him to get his autograph.

The October 7-14 festival will also host filmmaker Ang Lee, who will attend the closing ceremony with the screening of his film Taking Woodstock.

The Beirut International Film Festival will feature some 40 international films, including features and documentaries as well as short films by directors from the Middle East. dpa