Stuart Townsend's directorial debut Battle In Seattle will kick off the 34th Seattle International Film Festival on May 22.

The drama puts Seattle front and centre as an ensemble cast star as ordinary people affected by the World Trade Organisation riots that besieged the city in 1999.

Charlize Theron, Woody Harrelson, Andre Benjamin, Michelle Rodriguez, Ray Liotta, Connie Nielsen, Martin Henderson and Channing Tatum star.

The festival is scheduled to run from May 22 to June 15. For further information visit www.siff.net.