Theworld premiere of DreamWorks and Universal's drama The Soloist starring Robert Downey Jr and Jamie Foxx will open AFI FEST in Los Angeles on October 30.

Joe Wright directed the story of a journalist who comes across a former musical prodigy living rough on the streets of Los Angeles.

The Working Title-produced drama was produced in association with StudioCanal and Participant Media and will open in North America on November 21 through DreamWorks-Paramount.

'We are thrilled that AFI FEST has chosen The Soloist for its opening night gala,' Dreamworks CEO Stacey Snider, who is an AFI trustee, said. 'We think it's a wonderful, emotionally powerful film and, especially given its Los Angeles setting, believe there couldn't be a better way to introduce it to the public.'

'AFI FEST is delighted to host this dynamic and thought provoking film featuring the work of Wright, who has quickly established himself as a true artist behind the camera and two actors in Downey Jr, and Foxx, who could not make more of an electric pairing on the big screen,' AFI FEST artistic director Rose Kuo said..

The festival is scheduled to run from October 30-November 9.