Venice Film Festival Highlights

In recent years, the Venice International Film Festival has shifted its focus away from Hollywood, mirroring trends seen at Cannes. This year's festival, which begins on August 30, highlights a scarcity of American films, with only a few entries competing.

The festival's opening night will feature Warner Bros.' "Space Cowboys," coinciding with the presentation of the Golden Lion Career Award to Clint Eastwood. However, only two out of twenty films in the competition are from the U.S.—Robert Altman's "Dr. T and the Women" and Julian Schnabel's "Before Night Falls," both from independent filmmakers.

Festival director Alberto Barbera has noted the decline in U.S. submissions due to significant changes in how studios market their films. The rise of DVD releases and shorter post-theatrical windows have led many major studios to align their European release schedules with domestic launches, resulting in fewer films available for Venice. Previously, the summer film season provided a rich selection for the festival, but now studios are more inclined to launch their films in the U.S. without waiting for the Venice showcase.

Barbera expressed his disappointment over the absence of new works from notable directors like Philip Kaufman, Robert Redford, and Billy Bob Thornton. Some films, such as Kathryn Bigelow's "The Weight of Water," have chosen to premiere at the Toronto Film Festival instead, which seems to hold a stronger appeal for U.S. debuts.

During a press conference in Rome on July 28, Barbera conveyed his optimism for this year's festival, describing it as "authoritative, luminous, and carefree." He emphasized the significance of renowned filmmakers and star-studded appearances, which contribute to the festival's allure. Additionally, he mentioned the numerous social events planned, culminating in the closing night with premieres of two new musical films accompanied by live performances.The films showcased include Spanish director Fernando Trueba's “Calle 54,” which features ten iconic Latin American musicians, and Tony Gatlif's “Vengo,” a passionate narrative of love and rivalry steeped in the music of Andalusian gitanos.

On September 9, audiences can enjoy live performances by the films' stars after the screenings.

Renowned filmmaker Robert Altman, a two-time Golden Lion winner, presents his latest ensemble comedy, “Dr. T and the Women,” featuring Richard Gere alongside notable actresses including Helen Hunt and Farrah Fawcett. Artisan will distribute the film in the U.S.

Julian Schnabel, back in Venice since his debut with “Basquiat” in 1996, is set to showcase “Before Night Falls.” This film is based on the autobiography of Cuban novelist Reinaldo Arenas and stars Javier Bardem, Olivier Martinez, Johnny Depp, and Hector Babenco.

Woody Allen returns with his DreamWorks comedy “Small Time Crooks,” although he typically does not attend the festival. Additionally, Robert Zemeckis's thriller “What Lies Beneath” and Jonathan Mostow’s WWII film “U-571” will have their European premieres in the late-night “Dreams and Visions” section.

Debuting in the midnight slot is “The Cell,” the first feature by Tarsem, known for his work in commercials and music videos, starring Jennifer Lopez and Vince Vaughn.

Anticipated attendees at the festival include Sharon Stone, who will present the Golden Lion to Clint Eastwood on opening night, as well as Richard Gere and Johnny Depp supporting their respective films. Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer are expected for “What Lies Beneath,” while confirmations are pending for Hugh Grant and Jennifer Lopez.

The selection committee, led by Barbera, sifted through almost 1,000 entries to finalize a lineup of 91 feature films and 63 short and medium-length films for the Venice Film Festival.In the upcoming competition, the UK showcases two significant films.

First, Stephen Frears presents "Liam," which tells the poignant tale of an impoverished Irish family during the Great Depression, all from the perspective of a young boy.

Additionally, Sally Potter's melodrama "The Man Who Cried," set in the 1930s, follows a Jewish girl's quest to reunite with her father in America. The film features a star-studded cast, including Christina Ricci, Cate Blanchett, John Turturro, and Johnny Depp, who are anticipated to attend.

The European lineup also features several noteworthy entries. French director Xavier Beauvois brings "Selon Matthieu," starring Nathalie Baye, who received last year's Best Actress award at Venice for "Une Liaison Pornographique."

From Lithuania, Sharunas Bartas presents "Freedom," while Portuguese filmmaker Manoel de Oliveira showcases "Palavra e Utopia." Chilean director Raoul Ruiz contributes "Fils de Deux Meres, ou Comedie de l’Innocence," featuring Isabelle Huppert.

Among the diverse selection, first-time Portuguese director Joao Pedro Rodrigues offers the provocative "O Fantasma," and Barbet Schroeder explores themes of love and youth in "Our Lady of the Assassins," which centers on an intellectual's journey among Colombia’s street children.

Additional films of interest include Julian Schnabel's "Before Night Falls," Marcelo Pineyro's Argentine drama "Plata Quemada," set in the vibrant 1960s Buenos Aires, and Gus Van Sant's "Jokes: Chapter 1 - Easter," a poignant narrative about a 70-year-old man's coming out. This film is part of a larger three-part project, with contributions from Harmony Korine and Chloe Sevigny.

After a challenging period marked by a lack of strong productions, Italian cinema is making a comeback this year.

Four Italian films are featured in the competition, along with six in side events.

Barbera emphasizes, "This isn’t a matter of nationalism but a reflection of quality. Following tough times, the Italian film industry seems to be rediscovering its roots in genres that once defined its greatness, like historical-political dramas and the commedia italiana , offering hope for the future of national cinema."

Venice Film Festival Highlights

The Venice film festival is set to showcase a diverse array of competition entries this year, highlighting both established and emerging talents from around the globe.

Among the Italian contenders are notable films like Marco Tullio Giordana’s gripping mafia narrative, “The Hundred Steps,” and Guido Chiesa’s “Johnny the Partisan,” which delves into the poignant final days of World War II resistance. Carlo Mazzacurati offers a lighter touch with his buddy comedy “The Tongue of the Saint,” featuring beloved actors Antonio Albanese and Fabrizio Bentivoglio. Gabriele Salvatores introduces “Teeth,” a surreal black comedy that marks a departure from his previous works, “Mediterraneo” and “Nirvana.”

However, festival director Alberto Barbera has announced that several highly anticipated Italian films from renowned directors such as Nanni Moretti, Ermanno Olmi, Ettore Scola, Francesca Archibugi, and Giuseppe Tornatore will unfortunately miss the Venice deadlines.

Asian cinema is also well-represented, featuring rising star Fruit Chan’s poignant narrative “Durian Durian,” which tells the story of a Chinese prostitute, as well as Buddhadep Dasgupta’s “The Wrestlers,” a visionary examination of two fighters in a secluded Indian village. South Korea contributes Ki-duk Kim’s romantic tale “The Isle,” centered around a girl who offers houseboats for rent on a picturesque lagoon.

Barbera emphasizes the significance of Asian cinema, stating, “Once again in Venice this year, Asia will reaffirm itself as one of the world’s richest, most fertile territories for new creative developments and discoveries, a trend that has been ongoing now for years.”

Additional competition films include Jafar Panahi’s poignant drama “The Circle,” which addresses the challenges faced by women and children in Iran, and Clara Law’s Australian road movie, “The Goddess of 1967,” exploring the connection between a car enthusiast and a Chinese woman. One final competition title is yet to be revealed.

In the midnight dreams and visions section, audiences can expect highlights such as “The Princess and the Warrior” from acclaimed German director Tom Tykwer, featuring “Run Lola Run” star Franka Potente. Hong Kong legend Tsui Hark brings “Time and Tide,” while Benoît Jacquot presents the French period piece “Sade,” starring Daniel Auteuil. Italian director Roberta Torre adds a unique flair with her Sicilian immigration musical, “Sud Side Story,” a contemporary retelling of “Romeo and Juliet.”The Venice International Film Festival is set to showcase a diverse array of films, including some notable entries that are not in competition.

Among them is “Merci pour la Chocolat,” directed by the esteemed Claude Chabrol and featuring Isabelle Huppert. Additionally, Takeshi Kitano's “Brother” will make an appearance; this film follows a Yakuza member navigating the complexities of establishing a gang in Los Angeles. Kitano previously won the prestigious Golden Lion at Venice in 1997 for his film “Hana-bi.”

Martin Scorsese will momentarily pause his work on “Gangs of New York” to present a comprehensive four-hour version of “Il Dolce Cinema,” his homage to the golden era of Italian cinema, which had a preview at last year's festival.

The current year's “Cinema of the Present” section is packed with intriguing films such as “Pollock,” directed by Ed Harris, which delves into the life of the provocative artist Jackson Pollock. Barbara Kopple will showcase her documentary on Woodstock titled “My Generation.” British filmmaker Christopher Nolan will present “Memento,” featuring Guy Pearce and Carrie-Anne Moss, and Swedish director Lukas Moodysson brings us “Together.”

In the “New Territories” section, dedicated to innovative and experimental cinema, audiences can expect selections from Channel Four's Beckett on Film series, with works by directors like Atom Egoyan, David Mamet, and Patricia Rozema among others.

Here’s a look at the films being screened at the festival:

Official Selection

Opening Night:
“Space Cowboys” by Clint Eastwood, USA

Closing Night:
“Vengo” by Tony Gatlif, France/Spain

Competition

“Dr. T and the Women” by Robert Altman, USA
“Freedom” by Sharunas Bartas, France/Portugal/Lithuania
“Selon Matthieu” by Xavier Beauvois, France
“Durian Durian” by Fruit Chan, Hong Kong/China/France
“Johnny the Partisan” by Guido Chiesa, Italy
“The Wrestlers” by Buddhadeb Dasgupta, India
“Liam” by Stephen Frears, UK
“The Hundred Steps” by Marco Tullio Giordana, Italy
“The Isle” by Ki-Duk Kim, South Korea

Cinematic Diversity Exploration

A Cinematic Journey Through Diverse Narratives

The Enchantress of 1967
Clara Law, Australia

The Sacred Tongue
Carlo Mazzacurati, Italy

Words and Utopia
Manoel de Oliveira, Portugal/France/Brazil/Spain

Full Circle
Jafar Panahi, Iran

The Crying Man
Sally Potter, Britain/France

The Ghost
João Pedro Rodrigues, Portugal

Child of Two Mothers: A Comedy of Innocence
Raoul Ruiz, France

Fangs
Gabriele Salvatores, Italy

Before Night Falls
Julian Schnabel, U.S.

Our Lady of Assassins
Barbet Schroeder, France/Colombia

Special Presentation

Minor Criminals
Woody Allen, U.S.

Thank You for the Chocolate
Claude Chabrol, France

Brotherhood
Takeshi Kitano, Japan/U.S./Britain

Sweet Cinema
Martin Scorsese, Italy/U.S.

Calle 54
Fernando Trueba, France/Spain

Jokes: Easter Chapter (Work in Progress)
Gus Van Sant, U.S.

Dreams and Visions

Time and Tide
Tsui Hark, Hong Kong/China

Sade
Benoît Jacquot, France

U-571
Jonathan Mostow, U.S.

Burnt Money
Marcelo Pineyro, Argentina/Spain/Uruguay/France

The Cell
Tarsem, U.S.

South Side Story
Roberta Torre, Italy

The Princess and the Warrior
Tom Tykwer, Germany

What Lies Beneath
Robert Zemeckis, U.S.

Contemporary Cinema

Waiting for the Messiah
Daniel Burman, Argentina

Everyone's Famous!
Dominique Deruddere, Belgium

Samia
Philippe Faucon, France Italian Serenity
Matteo Garrone, Italy

Tranquil City
Robert Guediguian, France

Artistic Journey
Ed Harris, U.S.

Generational Perspectives
Barbara Kopple, U.S.

Exploring Possibilities
Robert Lepage, Canada

Cultural Crossroads
Roger Gnoan M’bala, Ivory Coast

Contestants in Focus
Dan Minahan, U.S.

Unity in Diversity
Lukas Moodysson, Sweden/Denmark/Italy

Ambitious Ventures
Gregory Mosher, U.S.

Memory Unraveled
Christopher Nolan, Britain/U.S.

Final Haven
Paul Pawlikowski, Russia/Britain

Inward Security
Christian Petzold, Germany

Lovestruck Thomas
Pierre Paul Renders, Belgium/France

Urban Wildlife
Isabella Sandri, Italy

Justice of Placido Rizzotto
Pasquale Scimeca, Italy

River of Doubt
Lynne Stopkewich, Canada

Inanimate Tales
Jan Švankmajer, Czech Republic/Britain/Japan

City Life in Moscow
Alexander Zeldovich, Russia

Exploring New Horizons

Melody of the Little Prince vs. Greasy Souls
Paulo Caldas/Marcelo Luna, Brazil

Spiritual Invocation
Hector Faver/Patricio Guzman/Fred Kelemen, Spain/Argentina

Artful Reflection: The Brigid Berlin Story
Vincent Fremont/Shelly Dunn Fremont, U.S.

We as Becky
Joaquin Jorda, Spain

Island Narratives
Mohsen Makhmalbaf/Shahabodin Farokh-yar/Dariush Mehrjui, Iran

Snow White's Legacy
João César Monteiro, Portugal

Young Gravediggers
Shari Springer Berman/Robert Pulcini, U.S.

Film Showcase Highlights

Joyful Moments
Patricia Rozema, UK

Featured Films

Fellini's Journey: A Rediscovered Self-Portrait
Paquito Del Bosco, Italy

Jung (Giang) - In the Land of the Mujahideen
Alberto Vendemmiati/Fabrizio Lazzaretti, Italy

The Condition of the Deceased
Zivojin Pavlovic, Yugoslavia

Critics' Showcase

Congratulations
Lucho Bender, Argentina

Scoutman
Masato Ishioka, Japan

Voltaire's Blame
Abdel Kechiche, France

You Can Rely on Me
Kenneth Lonergan, USA

The Day I Became a Woman
Marzieh Meshkini, Iran

Deep in the Gaze
Giuseppe Rocca, Italy

Nights
Claudia Tomaz, Portugal

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