The North American premiere of David Jacobson's Un Certain Regard entry DownIn The Valley will open the 2005 Los Angeles Film Festival, which runs from Jun16-26.

George Clooney will receive the inaugural Spirit of Independence Awardon June 25 and will take part in an on-stage interview with critic andcommentator Elvis Mitchell following footage of his career highlights.

Festival organisers have also announced that the Target DocumentaryAward prize money has been raised to an unrestricted grant of $50,000. Lastyear's Target winner was Jonathan Caouette for Tarnation.

Down In The Valley, Jacobson's follow-up to his serial killer drama Dahmer, stars EdwardNorton, Evan Rachel Wood and Bruce Dern in the San Fernando Valley-set tale ofa deluded man who embarks upon a fated relationship with a rebellious younggirl.

'David Jacobson is a director with a truly independent vision and Downin the Valley exemplifies the kind of films we're proud to present at thefestival,' director of programming Rachel Rosen said.

Mitchell is serving as guest curator at the festival this year, and willselect a number of special screenings and moderate panel discussions. Furtherdetails of the line-up will be announced in due course.