Oscar-winner Geoffrey Rush will accept the international star of the year award during Australia On Show, the first night of the 56th Australian International Movie Convention, being held at Queensland's Gold Coast from Aug 14 to 18.

Eric Bana will be named the Australian star of the year for his lead role in last year's hit film Chopper, while director Phillip Noyce will receive an award for excellence in filmmaking.

Robert Luketic, another Australian has moved to Hollywood, will present his hit film Legally Blonde on behalf of 20th Century Fox. Richard Parton, president of the organising body, the Motion Picture Exhibitors Association of Queensland, described it as a "star-studded line-up like no other year".

Other films to be screened include, Rat Race (UIP), America's Sweethearts (Columbia TriStar), The Others (BVI), Rush Hour 2 (Roadshow) and, representing the independents, local film The Bank (Footprint) (see review) and Amelie From Monmarte (Dendy).

Arts Minister Peter McGauran and, representing two other political forces, Bob McMullen and Aden Ridgeway, are due to appear on the same panel during the event. Issues concerning film funding and the tax position of those investing in offshore production are certain to be to the fore.