Oliver Stone stirred controversy at the world premiere of his documentary about Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez - by inviting the leader to walk the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival on Monday (07Sep09).
Stone started work on South of the Border fresh from the release of his biopic of U.S. president George W. Bush, after visiting Chavez back in February 2008.
The film, about Chavez and the South American revolution, favourably portrays the leader as a champion of the poor and documents his strained relations with the United States - where politicians have accused him of threatening democracy in Latin America.
Chavez ensured Stone's documentary captured the attention of the media at the annual Italian movie event by defending himself against criticism and comparing the struggle of the poor in South America to the cultural movements that occurred in Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries.
Signing autographs with Stone on the red carpet, Chavez told reporters: "What's happening in Latin America is like a Renaissance."
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