WELLINGTON, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- A glitzy premiere for Peter Jackson's new film The Lovely Bones began in Wellington on Monday.

    The acclaimed director joined the film's stars, including Susan Sarandon and Saoirse Ronan, at the capital's Embassy Theater for the red carpet premiere, Radio New Zealand reported.

Director Peter Jackson (L) of New Zealand poses for photographers with actresses Saoirse Ronan (C) of Ireland and Susan Sarandon on the red carpet at the Australian premiere of the film "The Lovely Bones" in Sydney December 10, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    The Lovely Bones tells the fictional story of a teenager who has been murdered and watches over her family and its attempts to find her killer from the afterlife.

    It is almost four years to the day since the capital last held an event of this kind, for the premiere of Jackson's King Kong.

    A brand new 100-meter red carpet was rolled out from the Embassy Theater's entrance for the premiere, which began at 6 p.m.

    A crowd of more than 5000 was expected at the festivities.

    Speaking at a news conference earlier on Monday, Jackson told reporters of his excitement ahead of Monday night's event.

    "The heart of the film is here - it's where we live and work and so this does feel like coming home.

    "You're always nervous when someone sees your film, obviously, but this is the fun premiere tonight." The Lovely Bones opens nationwide on Dec. 26.