Director Johnnie To attends a press conference of the 30th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) in Hong Kong, March 8, 2006. [File Photo:Reuters]

Hong Kong director Johnnie To's latest film "Godly Detective" will debut at the upcoming 64th Venice International Film Festival in Italy.

The organizer of the festival will announce in a few days whether or not the film is a candidate in the competition section or just an exhibition film, Taiwan media reported on Friday.

A reporter with Shanghai-based Oriental Morning Post contacted Mr Ding, an assistant of Johnnie To, but didn't receive any confirmation.

"We have also heard the news, and will make verification on Monday," Ding said.

Johnnie To has been a frequent visitor to the Venice International Film Festival in recent years. However, none of his new films were included on the nominee list for this year's Gold Lion award, which the organizers published at the end of June.

The 64th Venice International Film Festival will run from August 29 to September 8.