James Franco confirmed for 2011 Carmel Art & Film Festival

Actor James Franco will debut his film "Sal" @ CAFF

Actor-turned movie director James Franco is the latest celebrity to be confirmed for the 2011 Carmel Art & Film Festival, scheduled Oct. 12-16.

Franco will debut his film, “Sal” in at 4 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Sunset Center auditorium. Franco will stick around for a Q&A with the audience following the screening.

Tickets and information are available at www.carmelartandfilm.com.

Franco's addition to the festival was an arduous process, according to festival communications director Shanon Damnavits.

“This has been something we've been hoping to pull off,” said Damnavits. “Several of the actors coming to the festival are currently in production and on location working. It's really hard to lock them down until the 11th hour.”

“Sal” is a biopic about Hollywood actor Sal Mineo, who was murdered in 1976.

A teen idol early in his career, Mineo was best known for his appearance opposite James Dean in the film “Rebel Without a Cause.” For his performance, Mineo earned the first of two Academy Award nominations.

 Val Lauren was cast in the title role. Franco, who directed the film, also has a role in the film.

 The Carmel screening represents the film's North American premier. Franco previously screened the film at the Venice Film Festival earlier this year.