Russell Brand's documentary to open SXSW Film Festival

Comedian Russell Brand is set to open the 2015 South By Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival with the world premiere of his documentary.

The Forgetting Sarah Marshall star's new film will be the first movie screened at the annual event in Austin, Texas on 13 March (15).

BRAND: A Second Coming, follows the funnyman's evolution from addict and Hollywood star to "unexpected political disruptor & newfound hero to the undeserved", and shows the criticism he has received for his "egomaniacal self-interest as he calls for revolution".

Other films having their world premiere at the festival include documentaries about R&B singer/civil rights activist Mavis Staples and Congolese basketball pro Serge Ibaka.

The SXSW Film Festival, which also overlaps with the popular SXSW Music Festival, runs from 13 to 21 March (15).