If you are Venice Film FestivalI'd advise you to head for the movie theaters.
You'll be able to attend numerous previews and maybe even meet some of the stars.
Today, I'm going to tell you all about this festival.
Venice Film Festival: article summary
When did the Venice Festival start?
Every year, Venice hosts the world's oldest international film festival. In 1932, the Esposizione d'Arte Cinematografica was added to the festival. the 18ᵉ edition of the Venice Biennale. The idea was to enrich the public arts forum with screenings of Italian and international cinema.
The three founders of the film festival were the original president, Count Giuseppe Volpi di Misurata, sculptor Antonio Maraini and critic Luciano De Feo. The festival was held for the first time from August 6 to 21, 1932, on the terrace of the Hotel Excelsior Palace. The opening film was "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" and a total of nine countries were represented.
Who selects the films screened at Venice?
Each year, international entries are invited for the various sections of the festival, including the main competition. The festival director also sends invitations to renowned filmmakers from all over the world.
The director then selects the films for the entire festival, with the help of his staff and worldwide correspondents.
What prizes are up for grabs at the Venice Film Festival?
As the oldest film festival in the world, the Venice Film Festival is one of the oldest film awards. Their first official award, the Mussolini Cup, was introduced in 1934. The festival's first international jury met in 1936.
Every year, the festival convenes new juries to award prizes to films in the competition categories. The juries are made up of eminent film professionals, including actors, directors, producers and critics.
By far the most prestigious prize of the festival is the Golden Lion, or Leone d'Oro. Every year, this famous prize is awarded to best feature film in the main competition. It replaced the Mussolini Cup in 1949, as the Italian dictator was no longer in power after the Second World War.
More than a statue, a symbol
Visit winged lion statue inspired by the symbol of Venicethe lion of San Marco, which can be seen everywhere in the city, including on the Venetian flag. In fact, the prize was originally known as the Golden Lion of San Marco before becoming the Golden Lion in 1954.
The Golden Lion carries with it a great deal of prestige, decorating many acclaimed directors, including Kurosawa, Luis Buñuel and Michelangelo Antonioni. Most recently, the superhero spin-off "Joker" won the prize, which many saw as evidence of a recent trend in Venice towards screening big studio blockbusters in competition.
Where does the Venice Film Festival take place?
If you'd like to take part in this festival, there are plenty of places in Venice that organize screenings. These include the Palazzo Del Cinema, the Casino, the Sala Darsena and the PalaBiennale.
However, it is on Lido Island where most of the event takes place. Here, you can attend screenings as well as the prize-giving ceremony.
How to get to the festival?
To get there, you can borrow :
- The Vaporetto "Lido Santa Maria Elisabella" on lines 1/2/6 and 5.1/5.2.
The Venice Festival is an event not to be missed if you're in the floating city in September. You'll be able to see a host of stars, enjoy film previews and discover the city from a new angle.
What to do in Venice in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Venice guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special Venice guide!
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