Catherine feels passionately about maintaining her ties with Wales and about doing what she can to promote film-making in Wales

Lyndon Jones

It will be one of the first feature films embarked on by Milkwood Films - the production company which was set up by the Swansea starlet and her brother Lyndon Jones.

Miss Zeta Jones is expected to reveal more about the film at the Cannes film festival this weekend.

But she has already expressed her delight at the prospect of returning home, she said: "I am thrilled to be part of this project and equally proud to be taking the film back to Wales.

"I think Wales has immense talent, both in front and behind the camera, and I am excited about the prospects of this film which has a charming script.

"The film will have an international appeal and all at Milkwood Films are as enthusiastic as I am."

Zeta Jones and Douglas name son after Welsh poet

The idea behind the movie was originated by Mr Jones, who wrote the initial outline while his sister was making the blockbuster Entrapment with Sean Connery.

But despite Miss Zeta Jones's Hollywood career and marriage to film star Michael Douglas, she has not lost interest in her Welsh roots.

Their son Dylan has even been named after Wales' greatest poet - Swansea born Dylan Thomas.

Her brother said: "Catherine feels passionately about maintaining her ties with Wales and about doing what she can to promote film-making in Wales.

"We've enjoyed enthusiastic support from people in Wales and we can't wait to get down to work on the project."

Welsh media agency Sgrin and the Welsh Development Agency were both involved, from the early stages, in developing the ambitious project.

Both bodies hope the high profile of 'Coming Out' will attract more film and television producers to Wales.