The Venice film festival descended briefly into chaos Sunday as screaming "Harry Potter" fans stampeded across the seafront after British star Daniel Radcliffe, in town to present his new film.
Radcliffe, who rose to fame playing the child wizard, was surrounded by bodyguards and police, but that did not stop some admirers pushing their way into the bathroom with him during a press conference break.
The 24-year-old shrugged off suggestions that the clamour of hyperventilating teenagers on Venice's picturesque Lido island was intimidating.
"Thankfully, it's not always like this," he told the press conference, as a crowd outside thumped on the walls and rattled the windows trying to get in.
"I've been dealing with it in various ways since I was 11. I don't take it seriously, actually I think it's funny," said a smiling Radcliffe, sporting a blue polo shirt, rainbow-coloured socks and pastel pink sneakers.
The actor -- with his parents in tow -- may be an A-lister, but he still has a schoolboy air, and rather than the usual cocktail soiree held to honour Venice stars, he has requested a Karaoke party.
Radcliffe was in Venice to present "Kill Your Darlings", a Beat Generation film by John Chokidars, in which he plays a young Allen Ginsberg.
He said he thought fans would enjoy the flick, which explores themes from drug use to homosexuality.
"I'm incredibly grateful for the swirl of support behind me. My fans seem excited by the unconventional path I am taking," he said.
"I love poetry and it was fantastic to get the part and have the opportunity to dive into Ginsberg's life. The diaries he made when he was young gave me an amazing insight into his character," he said.
For fans of "A Young Doctor's Notebook", a television series starring Radcliffe as a doctor forced take up a post in a small, remote hospital in Russia, the actor promised "series two is funnier and even darker."
AFP RELAXNEWS
Mon Sep 02 2013
Israel pounds Beirut and Gaza after rockets hit Israel's north
A drone was launched at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's holiday home.
Elon Musk promises to award $1 mil each day to a signer of his petition
He awarded a $1 million check to an attendee of his event in Pennsylvania aimed at rallying supporters behind Donald Trump.
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Zayn Malik postpones US tour dates after One Direction bandmate Liam Payne's death
Payne, 31, died on Wednesday after falling from a third-floor hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires, shocking fans of the boy band.
Why voters in a handful of swing states will decide the US presidential election
The contest will almost certainly be decided by just tens of thousands of voters a tiny fraction of the populace in a handful of states.
INSIGHT - Sudan's war risks 'lost generation' of children
A devastating crisis is unfolding in Sudan, where the most vulnerable members of society children are bearing the brunt of the violence.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.