'Sopranos' star's film to open Rotterdam film fest

Filmmaker Michael Imperioli's directorial debut "The Hungry Ghosts" will open the 38th edition of the Rotterdam International Film Festival Jan. 21, 2009.

Set in and around New York over a period of 36 hours, the film follows a group of characters floating like ghosts through life, looking for happiness and hoping to fulfill a desire.

Steve Schirripa stars as a late-night radio host who gambles and uses drugs at the expense of his teenage son. Also starring is Nick Sandow, who plays a philosophical seeker who is looking for his ex-lover after leaving detox.

Imperioli is known for his role as Christopher Moltisanti on television's "The Sopranos." He also co-wrote the screenplay for Spike Lee's "Summer of Sam." "Ghosts" is his debut as a director.

"Michael Imperioli reveals his talent in the subtle way in which he makes this both human and occasionally contradictory urge visible," Festival Director Rutger Wolfson wrote in a press release.

The Rotterdam International Festival will run through Feb. 1.