launch this year's Bermuda International Film Festival.

Organisers are hoping Douglas, who co-produced the film "One Night at McCool's'' and who plays a minor role, will be able to make it for the opening night at the Liberty Theatre on April 20.

But the Festival faces a struggle to attract stars of the film because "One Night at McCool's'' goes on commercial release in the United States on April 27, and the actors will be involved in pre-launch publicity.

But BIFF organisers know that if Douglas, who will be spending part of the year in Bermuda after buying a house in Warwick, can make it, it will be a tremendous publicity boost.

The film stars Matt Dillon, Liv Tyler, John Goodman, and Paul Reiser and was co-produced by Douglas and Allison Lyon Segan. It made its world premier at the US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado, on March 2.

BIFF public relations officer Duncan Hall said yesterday: "I've spoken to Mr.

Douglas' right-hand man and he has told us he will look into whether any of the talent from the film is available.

"We don't have a firm `no' yet, but because of the release date in the US, early indications are that we are fighting an uphill battle.'' The film is described as a "raucous, fast-paced black comedy'' about three men and a woman in a bar who have a dream "brought together by lust, mayhem, bingo, DVDs and the finer points of home decorating''.

BIFF director Aideen Ratteray Pryse said: "We are delighted that Mr. Douglas' production company has provided a film for our opening night slot.'' The year's BIFF features 49 films - 22 feature length and 27 shorts - from 20 countries, 21 more than last year.