Casey Affleck casts sons in Venice film Company

Casey Affleck cast his two sons in his latest film “Company” and brought brother Ben Affleck to its red-carpet premiere at the Venice Film Festival.

Affleck told reporters Tuesday that he had lost both parents this year and had wanted to show them the movie. “I think they would have liked it,” he said.

“Company” is a low-budget gothic drama with several interlocking stories. It is Affleck's third film as director and is in the running for the Golden Lion, Venice's top prize, which is due to be awarded Saturday.

Affleck's son Indiana, 22, appears in his first film role, while his younger son Atticus, 18, also joined the cast. Affleck said both were initially reluctant but later agreed to take part.

The film received mixed reviews. Britain's The Guardian said it “entertains us with creepy campfire tales”, while the Hollywood Reporter called it a “dull existential drama” and The Wrap described it as a “frustrating slog”.