THIS makes history before it is even released by being the first feature film to premiere at the Vatican. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke, The Nativity Story stars Oscar-nominated Keisha Castle-Hughes as Mary, and Oscar Isaac as Joseph. In search of realistic locations, the film retraced the steps of The Passion of the Christ, Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven to Ouarzazate, Morocco.

Opens December 8

Grounded

KNOWN in the US as Unaccompanied Minors, Paul Feig's film centres on six kids, meant to be flying to various places for the holidays, who are snowed in at the airport. Bored, frustrated and without any parents to keep them in check, the youngsters settle down to read some good books. Or maybe not. Feig made his name on TV, directing Arrested Development and some episodes of The Office so the comedy should be nicely out of kilter.

Opens December 15

Babel

ALEJANDRO Gonzalez Inarritu (Amores Perros, 21 Grams) directs an international cast that includes Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett and Gael Garcia Bernal. Two shepherd boys in a village in Morocco are testing out their father's new rifle. One dares the other to aim at a passing bus, and the resulting tragedy draws in four families from around the world. Won Inarritu the best director prize at Cannes earlier this year.

Opens January 17

Pursuit of Happyness

WILL Smith plays Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who takes custody of his son, Christopher (played by Smith's son, Jaden). Money troubles lead to the pair being evicted from their home. Chris rebounds by landing a great job, but without a place to stay, how will they survive till he receives his pay?

Opens January 12

Infamous

DOUGLAS McGrath's study of Truman Capote and the writing of In Cold Blood has had to wait its turn following the release earlier this year of Capote. This time, it's British actor, Toby Jones, playing the part of the waspish writer, with support from Sigourney Weaver as Babe Paley, Sandra Bullock as Harper Lee, and Gwyneth Paltrow as Kitty Dean.

Opens January 19