Venice Film Festival

From August 28 to September 7, the 81st annual Venice Film Festival at the Palazzo del Cinema in Italy showcased exciting new cinema across multiple forms. One of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, this celebration is at the forefront of supporting international cinema, spreading awareness on the history of cinema, and giving creators a creative space to express themselves through the art of film. With six different categories, all films are representative of the latest industry trends.

To kick-off the festival, Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was showcased as a world premiere. The sequel to the 1988 cult-classic updated the ’80s subtleties with a new modern perspective, all while maintaining the same experience that made the original so notable. Day one also featured American actress, Sojourney Weaver, receiving the Golden Lion award of Lifetime Achievement for her iconic work across her 45-year career: including Avatar, Alien, and Ghostbusters. The first day was a major comeback from the lack of talent in the 2023 festival from the SAG-AFTRA strikes at the time.

The next few days brought many outstanding films, one of which being Separated, a film that calls attention to the ways that the Trump Administration’s border control policy separated families. Kill the Jockey and Apocalypse in the Tropics were also featured as part of the selection of South American filmmaking, giving a spotlight to South American film in the international industry. The Riefenstahl documentary on the second day also left a lasting and controversial impact by providing a captivating insight on the Nazi propagandist’s twisted relationship to Adolf Hitler.

This year’s film festival event included an abundance of red carpet looks, interviews with directors, beloved celebrities, and big films with divisive reactions. The most impact on the fashion front was Taylor Russell being styled in vintage Chanel; one of the most dazzling red carpet looks. Drew Starkley, a current Internet personality, was present as the main love interest in the movie Queer. Among film critics, the biggest screenings gave rise to the most debate, with split opinions on Maria, The Brutalist, and Babygirl.

Photo Courtesy: La Biennale Di Venezia

While a variety of awards were presented, the Venezia 81st category decided out of the 21 films viewed, the Golden Lion for best film would be presented to The Room Next Door by Pedro Almavador (Spain). The Silver Lion for best director, also in the Venezia 81 category, was awarded to Brady Corbet for The Brutalist (UK). The awards ceremony was held at the Sala Grande in the Palazzo Del Cinema on September 7th at 7:00pm. There were numerous other films shown that did not compete in the contest, as well as many more jury trophies for films participating in it.

Subsequently, the 2024 Venice Film Festival under Biennale Cinema showed other subsections of art including virtual reality (VR), exhibits, dance and music performances. Along with these, the Venice immersive section holds 63 projects of 25 different countries containing 360 degree videos, VR or extended reality, haptics and installations which will be held on the island of Lazzaretto Vecchio from August 27-September 7. As technology develops and grows, the history of the lasting Venice Film Festival still stands, setting examples for cinema and cultural creation.

Throughout the timeline of the Venice Film Festival, it has remained the oldest and most known film festival in the world since 1932. An international as well as creative expansion from the festival has led to harrowing films, along with directors and actors/actresses that have been recognized through the festival’s contests and viewing. From late August to early September, the 2024 annual Venice Film Festival, appearing for the 81st time, has curated influence, historical developments and captivating performances with their films in Italy.