Czech film festival to honor Mel Gibson

The international film festival at the Czech spa of Karlovy Vary will honor actor and director Mel Gibson and U.S. director William Friedkin this year for their outstanding contributions to world cinema.

Organizers said Tuesday that French actress and director Fanny Ardant and Hollywood actress Laura Dern will be among those attending the 49th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film that opens July 4 and runs through July 12.

The festival's grand jury, led by Spanish producer Luis Minarro, will consider 12 movies this year for the top prize, the Crystal Globe.

The movies competing include "Low Down" by U.S. director Jeff Preiss and "Welkome Home" by Russian director Angelina Nikonova.

Gibson, meanwhile, has been working on "The Expendables 3" and "Blood Father" with William H. Macy.