Sharjah24 – AFP: The Rome Film Festival welcomed actor Johnny Depp to its red carpet on Sunday (October 17) ahead of a screening of animated web series 'Puffins'.

The 58-year-old actor attended the Rome Film Festival as he lent his voice and characteristics to Johnny Puff, a character of the Italian animation showcase "Arctic Friends - Puffins," produced by Iervolino and Lady Bacardi Entertainment.

Depp ascended to Hollywood stardom in the 1990s with portrayals of loners and outsiders in cult classics such as John Waters' "Cry Baby" and Tim Burton's "Edward Scissorhands."

He became a household name with the swashbuckling Disney franchise "Pirates of the Caribbean," playing fan favourite Jack Sparrow.

The Rome Film Festival dedicated to international TV series, feature film and documentaries started on Wednesday (October 13) in the Eternal City's 17th century Palazzo Barberini with 1,700 registered industry execs - roughly 600 of whom have made the trek from abroad - and 350 new titles of various types, in development and production, on display.