Director’s The Canyons, starring Lindsay Lohan, to screen out of competition.

US director and screenwriter Paul Schrader has been named president of the International Jury for the Orizzonti section of the 70th Venice International Film Festival (Aug 28-Sep 7).

The director’s controversial feature The Canyons, starring Lindsay Lohan and scripted by Bret Easton Ellis, will screen out of competition at the festival.

“Schrader has continuously exercised his intelligence at the service of cinema and of his constant need for renewal,” stated Venice festival director Alberto Barbera.

“In virtue of his recognized interest in personal forms of film expression, he can contribute significantly to highlighting the specific function of a section such as Orizzonti”.

The section comprises a maximum of 20 films representing “the latest aesthetic and expressive trends in international cinema”, with special attention to debut films.

Schrader, acclaimed screenwriter of Yakuza, Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, has directed features including American Gigolo, Mishima and Affliction.