Director Danny Boyle's latest film "Ink," which explores the rise of media mogul Rupert Murdoch and former The Sun editor Larry Lamb, has been selected as the opening film of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, organizers announced on Thursday.

Adapted from James Graham's award-winning stage play, the film recounts Murdoch's 1969 acquisition of The Sun and the transformation of the newspaper into Britain's most influential tabloid. Guy Pearce stars as Murdoch, while Jack O'Connell portrays Lamb. Claire Foy also features in the cast.

In a statement, Boyle said the film tells the story of two men who reshaped modern media long before the emergence of Fox News, social media platforms and digital clickbait. He said the newspaper challenged the establishment and helped redefine the modern media landscape.

Boyle described the festival selection as a "huge honor," adding that although he has attended the Venice Biennale many times, this would mark his first appearance in the festival's official film competition.

Ink will compete for the Golden Lion when the festival opens on September 2. The complete competition lineup is expected to be announced next week.

The original play premiered in London in 2017 before transferring to Broadway in 2019, where it received multiple Tony Award nominations and wins. Playwright James Graham said he wrote the story before Donald Trump and Brexit but aimed to capture the growing wave of populism.