MEXICO CITY (AFP) - US director Quentin Tarantino will open the Morelia International Film Festival in Mexico this October, while on a promotional tour for his latest film "Inglourious Basterds," organizers said.

"Tarantino will present his new film and participate in the opening of the festival on October 3," said Pepe Abrego, a spokesman for the festival.

"Afterwards there will be a press conference. He is coming here as part of the international promotional tour for his movie."

Starring Brad Pitt in the lead role, the movie has been a major hit for the "Kill Bill" director, claiming the top spot at the US box office in its debut weekend and taking in about 75 million dollars in North American theaters since it opened.

Tarantino is the first international star whose attendance at the seventh Morelia film festival has been confirmed.

Organizers have also invited British musician Michael Nyman and US actress Anjelica Huston. The festival, held October 3-11, will pay tribute to her father, the late director John Huston.