Tom Hanks’ new blockbuster City of Ember is to have its European premiere in Belfast, it has been confirmed.

The movie, starring Oscar nominee Bill Murray and Oscar winners Tim Robbins and Martin Landau, was filmed in the Paint Hall in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter last year.

And it is hoped a number of special guests will attend the premiere when it is held at the Movie House Cinemas on the Dublin Road on Thursday, October 9.

The film, which will be released on October 10 through Entertainment, the UK’s leading independent distributor, was financed through Northern Ireland Screen, supported by Invest NI. The Belfast premiere was secured by Northern Ireland Screen in partnership with Entertainment Film Distributors and Cinemagic.

The Paint Hall was transformed into a multi-million pound movie set — representing the underground city of Ember.

The movie’s story centres on two children, played by Atonement star Saoirse Ronan, and Harry Treadaway, who are in a race against time to save their city before the lights go out forever and it is plunged into darkness.

Hanks, who produced the movie with Gary Goetzman, visited Belfast last year while filming was taking place.

Directed by Gil Kenan, who was nominated for an Oscar for Monster House, the film was based on the best-selling novel by Jeanne Duprau.

An invited family audience will be among the first to see the results. It is expected that a number of well-known faces will attend.

Richard Williams, chief executive of Northern Ireland Screen, said: “Northern Ireland Screen fought long and hard to bring the production of City of Ember to Northern Ireland, supporting it with production funding and facilitating its massive set build in the Paint Hall.

“It was a joy to work with leading worldwide production companies Playtone and Walden Media. We are equally delighted now to be able to co-host the European premiere in Belfast and we extend our sincerest thanks to Entertainment Film Distributors and Cinemagic for partnering with us.

“This major Hollywood film is a fine example of our ability, in the face of increasing global competition, to attract film and television projects to Northern Ireland and a reflection of our passionate commitment to develop a sustainable, dynamic screen industry and culture.”

Joan Burney-Keating, chief executive of Cinemagic, said: “Cinemagic is delighted to work in partnership with Northern Ireland Screen and Entertainment in organising the premiere of City of Ember in Belfast.

“Cinemagic aims to educate, motivate and inspire young people through moving image, we endeavour to showcase the best international films for young people and we’re proud to offer this unique opportunity to the young people of Northern Ireland.”