Just as though he were an actor, the Venezuelan President walked down the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival during the presentation of Oliver Stone’s new documentary, South of the Border. The premier posed during the photo call together with Stone and joked with the press.

The presence of Chavez surprised both Venezuelan nationals and foreigners, as it hadn’t been confirmed previously by the organisation. The director not only chatted animatedly with his guest but made various funny comments at the expense of the American media.

Concerning the documentary, which covers the figure of Chavez as well as other Latin American leaders, the President commented that “it is a good way of paying homage to the Latin American resistance” and came at “a good time” for the changes occurring in the area. There is a "rebirth is happening in Latin America, and Stone went to look for it and he found it," Mr Chavez said. "With his cameras and his genius, he's captured a good part of that rebirth. It’s very beautiful,” he continued, with reference to the new documentary about himself.

Yesterday actor Matt Damon and director Steven Soderbergh were also at the festival. Both presented the comedy The Informant, a film based on the true story of an executive who denounces the price-fixing which his agricultural company practices with international competitors.

Today another Venice regular is due to arrive: George Clooney, accompanied by Ewan McGregor, in order to present The Men Who Stare at Goats, out of competition.