A horror film by cult director Takashi Miike about a school teacher-turned-serial killer of students is one of the opening night features at the Rome Film Festival.

"Lesson of the Evil" by the Japanese master director of gore is among the films in competition at the festival, which begins on Friday and runs through Nov. 17.

Others in competition are Roman Coppola's "A Glimpse into the Mind of Charles Swan III," starring Charlie Sheen and Bill Murray, about a rich and famous man who is forced to deal with heartbreak; and "Back to 1942," a movie by Chinese director Feng Xiaogang about the devastating famine of that year in a Chinese province. Its stars include Adrien Brody and Tim Robbins. Films from 26 countries will be shown.